In Memory of Donald Thorp: 1961-1985

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Don thorpe2

Donald Thorp,
Date of birth: April 18th, 1961
Date of death: June 21st, 1985

Born & raised in Garberville, Don Thorp attended all school grades in Southern Humboldt and graduated from South Fork High School in 1979.

An avid abalone diver, Don Thorp found the World’s Largest Abalone in 1983 and held the title for 10 years. He also was a contestant in rodeos as a team roper—winning many. He was All-Around Cowboy two years in a row in the Jr. Rodeo in Willits, CA. He loved hunting and was just an all-around guy loved by many.

Killed in a logging operation in 1985, Don is desperately missed by his family and all that knew him.
Donald with World Record Red Abalone- 1983-1993_resized

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14 Comments
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G-ma
Guest
G-ma
7 years ago

Wow I remember that ab!!my Grandfather and.a good friend who lived in Fort Bragg told me stories,that was one of them,as they were big divers themselfs.

Shak
Guest
Shak
7 years ago

So young and active, what a waste! My condolences to his loved ones, including self, & I didn’t even know the young man.

Mogtx
Guest
7 years ago

My name is Mark Olsen and I grew up with Donnie my condolences to Donnie s parents, and to his sister kim. Donnie always had a smile on his face ,and he was such a good guy .we were in the same class in school .His mom genie, loved him, so such a loss ,and I know we’re ever Donnie is . I know he is blessing all with his smile .

Ernie Branscomb
Guest
7 years ago

We called him “Biggun” (big one) He was always the hardest working guy on his crew. He worked for Van Meter Logging and could set chokers faster than anyone else.

When The Garberville Rotary Club had a Tug-o-war at the rodeo, his team won on every pull.

My condolences to Jean and Charlie.

Jean
Guest
Jean
7 years ago

Thanks Ernie, we appreciate such a nice comment~

Jean & Charlie~
Guest
5 years ago

Thank-you Ernie~

Tonie
Guest
Tonie
7 years ago

You know our hearts broke and have never been the same since. You will forever be missed. ♡ Happy Birthday Biggun. Love, Stapes

Mogtx
Guest
7 years ago

Is the shell still in browns sporting goods

Jean
Guest
Jean
7 years ago
Reply to  Mogtx

Don’s shell went home with Don’s mom when she retired from Brown’s Sporting Goods after working there for 19 years~

Donna
Guest
Donna
7 years ago

Dons passing was a early example of the type of men that are going extinct in southern hum. It’s hard to find a real man around here any more.
Endangered species they are..

BluntsReef
Guest
BluntsReef
7 years ago

He seems like he was a manly man, indeed.

Seamus
Guest
Seamus
7 years ago

Million dollar smile!

Jean
Guest
Jean
5 years ago

And a “happy guy” he always was~ Don’s mom~