Richard "Dick" Arthur Thorp

Richard "Dick" Thorp, father of three and friend to many, passed away surrounded by his family on October 29, 2022, at the age of 74.

Dick was the oldest of four born to Ralph and Borgild Thorp in Minneapolis, MN, on September 5, 1948. They moved to Montana in 1955, living in Great Falls, Glasgow, then back to Great Falls, where he graduated from Great Falls High in 1967. After graduation, he was off to Vietnam where he was a helicopter crew chief until his discharge in 1970.

He met Susan Peters who was a friend of Barbs, his sister. They ended up getting married in a beautiful backyard ceremony on May 24, 1974.

A small family of three soon moved to Missoula, MT, where he was a co-owner of Checker Auto Parts until the 1980s. He and Sue divorced, both moving back Great Falls again, this time, with two more boy additions added to the family.

Dad had an extensive background in the automotive industry. He was a fantastic mechanic and was always willing to help someone out. He worked at several auto dealerships including Rice Motors, Bison Ford, and eventually retired from City Motors.

Dad loved people. He worked hard and played hard. He was proud of his Norwegian heritage. He enjoyed snowmobiling, boating, water skiing, and camping at Holland Lake in the 70s. That love of boating soon became a regular gig on the Missouri River every Wednesday and Sunday, Saturdays when possible. He was one of the original River Rats. He loved his family, but he also had a tight knit group of friends that became more like family. He liked to cook and entertain, often hosting groups of "misfits'' for holidays or "family" dinners. He was a social creature of habit; you knew where he would be and at what time. Dad was an encourager, a soft-shoulder, and a rock. He could set you straight, as well. Our dad was the strongest man we knew; a sentiment we felt until the very end. If dad liked you, you had a friend for life. Dad lived his dash, and he did it with purpose. He always knew what his kids and grandkids were up to and would gladly brag them up at every chance he was given. We will miss his bright blue eyes, his bellow of a laugh, and his giant, loving hugs.

He is survived by his siblings; Barb (Bob) Fast and Rob (Jody) Thorp; his three children, Rhonda (Thorp) Grainger and her son, Gage Clothier, Ryan and Elyssa Thorp, Rich and Janelle and their son Daniel, plus a baby on the way; special nieces and nephews; and numerous cousins.

Dick was preceded in death by his dad, Ralph; his niece, Brandy; his mom, Borgy; his nephew, Josh; and his brother, Charlie.

A celebration of life will be at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at O'Connor Memorial Chapel.