John Steinke Thorup

1941 - 2024

John Steinke Thorup, 82, died at his home in Tucson, Arizona, on January 11, 2024, of heart and kidney failure following a fall in December and a long decline due to Parkinson's Disease. Born November 27, 1941, in Salinas, California, his childhood was spent in California, New Mexico, and Arizona, where his father worked as a farm manager and farmer. He attended Kingman High School, graduated from Willcox High, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Arizona in 1963, majoring in Spanish and minoring in math. After training as a fighter pilot with the United States Air Force, he settled in Tucson. He completed his military obligation flying with the Arizona Air National Guard through 1972. John joined Pan American World Airways in 1966 and flew for them as a co-pilot, flight engineer, and captain on the Boeing 707, 727, 737, and 747. In 1969, he began police work as a detective, forest firefighter, process server, and guard for the Pima County Sheriff's Department and other law enforcement agencies.As a child, he was expected by the adults around him to become a college professor, but no one interest captivated him enough to concentrate on it. His life reflected his varied passions. He went to six continents, all but the Arctic, and especially loved train travel. His longest trip was across the USSR on the Trans-Siberian Railway; in 1981, he went across the Sahara in a Land Rover. His library contained every kind of book imaginable, from poetry to the lives of Western outlaws. His accounts of his trips and other adventures, helped by an almost superhuman memory, were sometimes not believed, but always true. Charismatic, generous, curious, and witty, John filled the room without trying. He pursued his dream of being the good sheriff and saving the town by learning your impossible dream and attempting to make it come true. He changed lives in the process.

John was predeceased by his parents, Chris and Nan Thorup, and his brother-in-law, John Preston. He is survived by his sister, Christy (Thorup) Preston, of Chino Valley, Arizona; nephew Chris Preston (Michelle), and their son, Cole, of Garland, Texas; nephew Mitch Preston and his fiancée, Tina Patton, of Scottsdale; many California cousins, including Jim and Deb Thorup of Chico and Andrea Thorup of Sacramento; and long-time partner, Dianne Timbers, of Tucson. He was honored to be called "Grandpa John" by Dianne's grandnieces: Brittney, Layna, Tessa, and McKenna, of Nome, Alaska.

John gave generously to many different causes. In lieu of flowers, a donation to one of his favorites may be made: Planned Parenthood, Doctors without Borders, Casa de los Ninos, or Youth on Their Own. A service in his memory will take place at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church, Tucson, on March 16th at 11 AM. In deference to family and friends who have allergies and sensitivities, please do not wear scented products.