Ron Thorp
August 14, 1942 - August 22, 2017
Ronald Thorp, age 75, of Ankeny - surrounded by his family and close friends - passed away peacefully on August 22nd at The Bridges at Ankeny. A gathering of friends and family will be 10:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. with a celebration of life service at 12 (Noon), Saturday, August 26, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way Ames, Iowa
Ron was born in Grinnell, Iowa on August 14th, 1942 - the son of Francis and Esther (Brown) Thorp. He graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1960. Ron married the love of his life - Vicky Burris - on December 14th, 1963 at The Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. The couple moved to Ames in 1967, then to Gilbert in 1974 where they raised their two daughters, Jamie and Jennifer. They returned to Ames in 2004.
Ron's first job was at Kiowa in Marshalltown, followed by 20+ years at Bourns Incorporated in Ames until the plant closed in 1990. He eventually returned to Kiowa in Marshalltown before "retiring" from production management. He then received his locksmith certification and began working as a home inspector for Amerispec. Ron officially retired in 2007.
Ron had a longtime love of cars, golf and the Cyclones. You could find him detailing his cars on the weekends in between rounds of golf with his friends. For many years he was a season ticket holder for Cyclone football and men's basketball, and a dedicated 'Clone fan through the good and bad times. He was a fantastic, supportive father to his girls - never quite fully recovering from his daughter, Jamie's, death in October 2014. He was a loving husband to Vicky for 51 years, taking great care of her until her passing in December 2014. The last few years he was able to spend a few of the winter months in Arizona with friends, and the rest of the year attending his grandkids many activities.
Ron is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Rick) Hindman and children David, Destiny and Haydan of Johnston; son-in-law Eldon Whitaker of Colo; sister-in-law, Linda Thorp of Frisco, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ron was preceded in death by his daughter, Jamie Lee Whitaker, on October 24th, 2014, his wife, Vicky Ann Thorp, on December 27th, 2014, his parents, Francis and Esther Thorp, and his siblings, Jerry Thorp, Janet Montgomery, and Dennis Thorp.
Memorials may be directed to the family. A charity will be determined at a later time.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Jennifer- So sorry for your loss of a great father. I have fond memories of your parents while we were neighbors on 28th street in Ames. Ron also was instrumental in guiding me to the Tool & Die trade, which ended up being a perfect match for me. May the God of comfort be with you, in Jesus's powerful name. -Scott Sonksen & family
Jennifer - My most sincere sympathy for you and your family. I remember visiting with your father and seeing the passion he had for education and the vocational arts. May you find support from the many people that knew, respected, and appreciated your dad. Jim Quarnstrom
I can remember my two uncle's (Ronnie & Denny) when I was a wee little girl out @ our Great Gramma Brown's house in Yucaipa, CA. I remember those two throwing my brother Phil into the pool and having a great time with each other. When I would call my uncle later in our live's, I would say "Hey how's my favorite uncle in Iowa or hey uncle this is your favorite niece in Cali" He would answer me, I'm your only uncle in Iowa or your my only niece in Cali. That was the long version of "Hello" between us. My point is, it has been a pleasure having my uncle in my life, NO matter how little it was. He was a generous and giving man of his time and took care of everyone. He will always be remembered in my heart as a Light of Love.
We were shocked and sadden to here of Ronnies passing. When Linda and Denny began dating, they would take me, at age 6, over to the Thorp haouse. I was teased without mercy by Denny, Ronnie and Francis. I loved every minute of it. As I grew we would see Ronnie and Vicky at family events. After Vicky passed Ronnie invited Doug, Linda, and I to his place in Ames. We enjoyed ut so much. Doug played golf with Ronnie and they had a great time together. May your fond memories of this fun, kind man, comfort you at this time and live forever in your hearts. Doug and Kathy Jensen
Jennifer- So sorry for your loss of a great father. I have fond memories of your parents while we were neighbors on 28th street in Ames. Ron also was instrumental in guiding me to the Tool & Die trade, which ended up being a perfect match for me. May the God of comfort be with you, in Jesus's powerful name. -Scott Sonksen & family
Ron was always so good to my parents as well as being a fabulous friend to my sister and her husband. If Dad and Mom needed any type of work done on their condo, Ron was always willing to come and get it done for them. We are lifting up prayers for all of Ron's family and friends.
Kevin & Barb Maher
Visitation
Ames, IA 50010
Service
Ames, IA 50010
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