Bert Duane Thorpe

Bert D. Thorpe, a veteran with over 43 years of military service, died in his home Saturday, November 7, 2009 after a lengthy illness. He suffered for many years with Parkinson's Disease and back pain. Bert served over 15 years in the USMC and USMCR, eight of those years on active duty serving in both WWII and the Korean War followed by three years in the Army Reserve, then as a Commissioned Officer he served 28 years in the Naval Reserve Medical Service Corp. In 1988, he was selected to receive the RADM Joseph Miller Award as the outstanding officer of the year. He served as Commander of several Medical Units and eventually retired in 1989 as Captain.

Bert received his PhD in Immunology and Bacteriology from the University of Utah and for many years was a Research Professor. Bert was a born teacher and taught in the School of Nursing at the University of Northern Colorado, however, his passion was always research in bacteriological germ warfare diseases which began while he was working on contract for Dugway Proving Grounds during the Vietnam War.

Bert is the oldest son, born 21 Sep 1929 in Spanish Fork, Utah to Lenore Clegg and Alfred Bert Thorpe. His parents and his younger brother Paul Clegg Thorpe (Ladawn -- still living) preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister, Linda Kay (Bob) Phoenix.

In 1955 Bert and and his wife, Dona Bushman, were married in the Salt Lake Temple and celebrated their 54th anniversary last June. Bert lovingly leaves a noble posterity of six children -- Ginger/Jenny Thomsen, Salt Lake City, Utah; Duona Richard, McLouth, Kansas: Daryl (Bob) Easton, Evans, Colorado; Bertauna (Kyle) Walrath, Spanish Fork, Utah; Marie Walton, Midvale, Utah; and Duane (Nancy) Thorpe, DesMoines, Iowa -- ten grandchildren -- Larie Schill, Brandon McTearnen, Mary Richard, Casey Walrath, Levi Walrath, Kessler Walrath, Tobby Trickey, Tori Walton, Britany Thorpe and Brad Thorpe -- six great grandchildren -- Kyilyn Foos, Donnie Foos, James Richard, Joshawa Richard, Crystal Richard and Danielle McTearnen. As his children grew, they loved listening as he told bedtime stories and in his later years, the situation reversed as his children spent many hours reading and telling stories to him. He will be greatly missed.

Bert spent much of his life in service to others. He served a two year mission in the Eastern States Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and remained active for the remainder of his 80 years. He held numerous positions over the years, but as a young father, from the time he was called as Assistant Scoutmaster in the Great Salt Lake Council and continued his service in the Longs Peak Council, Colorado, he was highly valued. His heart was hooked and he served in almost every voluntary position in both the district and council. He twice received the District Award of Merit and in 1985 he was awarded the Silver Beaver. In 2007 the BSA awarded him his 65 year service certificate.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday November 11, 2009 12:00, noon, at the Eastridge Ward Chapel, 1250 East 4800 South (Murray-Holladay Road). Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday evening from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Holbrook Mortuary (801-484-2045), 3251 South 2300 East, and at the Eastridge Ward on Wednesday morning from 10:30am to 11:30am prior to services. Interment: Murray City Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.holbrookmortuary.com