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ARTHUR THORPE Obituary
Arthur Nathaniel Thorpe, PhD, passed away on June 30, 2015 at the age of 82 at Bridgepoint Hospital in Washington, DC. He was born to the late Chester Thorpe and Maggie Beasley in Durham, NC. He received his early education in Durham and graduated from Hillside High School in 1950. He then left Durham and moved to Washington, DC to attend Howard University where he received his bachelor's (1954), master's (1959), and PhD (1964) degrees in Physics. In 1954 he joined the US Air Force and became a fighter pilot until 1958. After receiving his doctorate degree, he worked for the US Geological Survey and became a professor at Howard University where he was dedicated until his death. Dr. Thorpe was a tireless advocate for education. He mentored and recruited minority students and encouraged them to embrace education and pursue advanced degrees in the Sciences. He also had a lifelong love of aviation. He was an accomplished pilot and aircraft mechanic and could always be found near an airport. He was heavily involved with one of the first African American-owned airlines, Wheeler Airlines, for two decades. Arthur is survived by his wife, Wanda Thorpe of Pensacola, FL; three sons, Anthony Thorpe of Charleston, SC, Morris Thorpe of Washington, DC and Dr. Arthur Thorpe Jr. of Washington, DC; two daughters, Morgan and Wanda Thorpe of Pensacola, FL.; brother, Norman Thorpe of Suitland, MD; sister, Mary Blackstone of Ellicott City, MD; five granddaughters, and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by brother: A. William Thorpe; and sister: Harriett Washington. A memorial service is being planned for the near future. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a scholarship fund in his name. Information on the memorial service and scholarship fund can be obtained from the Physics Department, Howard University, Washington, DC, (202) 806-6245.
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Memories and Condolences
for ARTHUR THORPE
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Ashley Morgan
February 11, 2018
In your loving memories!!!!
Coalton Bennett
February 9, 2018
Dr. Thorpe taught me Electricity and Magnetism. It was in his course that I realized that I wanted to study signals and systems. He had a profound impact on my life.
May god bless your family.
Miliaritiana Robjhon
June 1, 2017
Dr. Thorpe was indeed a true gift to humanity. He is always remembered as this giant, who had this tremendous knowledge of almost any subject and yet passionately shared it with anyone on a personal level. He is also remembered as a great scientist, who intellectually invested to develop Africa and empower people of color.
May 17, 2016
To Family, Friends, Guest Book signers of Professor Dr. Arthur N. Thorpe:
Dr.Thorpe was truly one of the best Professors who was also a trusted partner to his students, one who was always available for consultations and who consistently demonstrated interest in the success of his students.
I will continue to express my appreciation to the support Dr. Thorpe gave to me, to the undergraduate and graduate students and also to those who were the assistants to Dr. Thorpe.
Sincerely,
Dr. Edward Henry Dowdye, Jr.
Quoc Nguyen
May 16, 2016
It was my privilege and honor to have worked under Dr. Thorpe at Howard. My deepest sympathy for his family's lost.
Arleya Ashburn
September 19, 2015
The world has lost a 'great'. Fortunately, Dr. Thorpe touched many lives while he was here, so his legacy lives on. My condolences to the family. He was part of my Howard family, and he'll certainly be missed.
Lloyd J Coleman, Jr
September 18, 2015
May we all land safely, on that runway in Heaven.
Silvina Gatica
September 18, 2015
Dr Thorpe was a brilliant professor and mentor. I send my deep condolences to his family.
August 28, 2015
Dr. Thorpe was one of the nicest and most brilliant people I have ever known. He took education, research, and aviation seriously and was just as passionate about helping anyone he could whether family, students, faculty, colleagues or friends. He could hold a conversation and cite little known facts about a myriad of subjects. He was dedicated to racial equality and spent much of his time, talent, and treasure working with Historically Black Colleges and Universities to recruit ethnic minority students to professions in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics(STEM). He was a giant in his field and gave so much of himself and his intellect to establishing and sustaining mentoring relationships with those willing to partake of his knowledge and wisdom. He was dynamic in a quiet and gentle way. I met him over 40 years ago. Most recently however, he was instrumental in helping me find physicians and resources to battle metastatic breast cancer. Unfortunately, he passed before I was able to tell him that by the grace of God and modern advances in medical oncology, my cancer has all but disappeared. He advised me to keep fighting even when things looked bleak and I will be forever grateful to him for his relentless encouragement. Dr. Thorpe will always be known for his contributions to the academy and to humanity in general. May his family and friends be blessed with loving memories that will give them peace and a sense of contentment.
Sincerely, Valarie Greene King, Ph.D.
The morgan Family
August 21, 2015
He was a great friend I will always. Hold your memories close to my heart. You will be miss dearly rip my friend. Know that we love you truly.
Jocelyn Buckley
August 20, 2015
He was like a father to me. A great mentor who guided me through my undergraduate studies at Howard University to earning my private pilot certificate after graduating and beginning my professional career. We always kept in touch, and I will miss him so much. Love you Dr. Thorpe!
Robyn King
August 12, 2015
I first met Dr. Thorpe when I was 17 and in high school. Dr Thorpe helped me with my science fair project for which I won first place in physics.
Thank you Dr. Thorpe!
Francis Mensah
August 10, 2015
Dr. Thorpe has been for me, at an important time of my life, more than a mentor. He guided me. He helped me. He advised me. He has a strong knowledge of social life. He wants to know what's going on with you, with your life. He is always ready to help. Dr. Arthur Thorpe has lived a positive life. He has left his family with a strong and good legacy. He is like a big baobab which has just fallen. In academia, I've never seen such a smart person. Dr. Thorpe is really smart. I spent so many years with Dr. Thorpe talking about Africa and its mysteries. He likes Africa and told me that he has been there several times. His lost has touched me so much. May the Lord accept him in his kingdom.
Johnny Mathis
August 10, 2015
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
David and Janel Davis
August 7, 2015
A Great Man has passed. Our prayers are with the family.
David Brown
August 1, 2015
My condolences and prayers to the family. I will always remember Dr. Thorpe for his passion, conviction, leadership and guidance. I appreciate the opportunity of being able to work for him at CSTEA. A true Howardite!
Blessings
Eric Booth
July 27, 2015
My condolences to the family. I will always remember Dr. Thorpe as a force of nature and a unique character. I had 2 memorable years of working for him at CSTEA. Gone but not forgotten.
Kendra Preer
July 19, 2015
Arthur,
I am so sorry about your loss. I know he was your father but also a role model and friend. If you need anything, just ask. All of my love,
Kendra Preer, Ph.D.
Edward Dowdye
July 18, 2015
To the Family of Professor Dr. Arthur N. Thorpe
I want to express my deep sorrows for the loss of a very significant Soul, a wonderful person who was a True Academician indeed. Professor Dr. Thorpe was always there for me, with whom I enjoyed many very late nights, often well after 4:00 in the AM at nights in the Physics Lab where I was carrying out the required experimental tasks and the work for the earning of my Ph.D. Dr Thorpe, a strict task master, was one of very few physicists and scientist who really understood my passions my theory, the Extinction Shift Principle, an Emission Theory, and my passions for it as an Emission Theorist. Dr. Thorpe could follow my deep appreciation and my passions for the Natural Fundamentals and did so by collaborating with me on these topics. He devoted himself to his graduate students and shared his concerns and his care for us all.
I am Faithfully yours,
Dr. Edward Henry Dowdye, Jr., Ph.D. Physics, Emission Theorist, Member American Physical Society
Gladys and Samuel Hetherington
July 17, 2015
Human Kind has lost a Monument, an Educational Freedom Fighter for minority students, a Phenomenal Scientist, a Father Figure to many and certainly a Loyal, Committed and Trustworthy Mentor to All! We are morning with you family and praying that GOD will bless you with HIS Everlasting Love that Surpasses All Understanding. Be Encouraged.
Love,
Samuel and Gladys Hetherington
Donna Waldron
July 17, 2015
Dear Tony, Morris and Arthur,
I have been a long time friend of the Thorpe family from the early 70's by way of my college roommate and your cousin Carol Thorpe.
My heart goes out to your family for the significant loss of a very stabilizing force in your family. It is apparent to me that his knowledge, guidance and encouragement shall leave a legacy that will permeate through many generations. Even though cliche, "Time will definitely heal the wounds and wonderful memories will replace the grief. May God continue to bless your family.
Donna Waldron
Prabhakar Misra
July 16, 2015
Professor Arthur Thorpe was a trailblazer in experimental low temperature condensed matter physics and in mentoring underrepresented minority students over an exceptional career spanning half a century. The Department of Physics & Astronomy at Howard University has lost an irreplaceable member of its family. May his soul rest in peace.
Venita Atkins
July 16, 2015
Nate sorry to hear of the death of your father. What can I do for you? Praying for your family
Nikki Cofield
July 16, 2015
Morris, I was so very sorry to hear of your loss. I know how dearly you loved your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I pray that God sends his angels to watch over you in these trying times. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Gregory Brown
July 16, 2015
I am very sorry to here of Dr. Thorpe's passing. He was a brilliant person. It was indeed honor to know and talk with him
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