THORPE, Ernest John (Ernie)

Silver Creek Mortuary, Taylor, Arizona Ernest John Thorpe (October 6, 1939 ~ August 15, 2012) Ernest John Thorpe passed away in the evening of August 15, 2012 in Snowflake, Arizona, after fighting a valiant battle with cancer. Ernie was born in Palisades Park, New Jersey October 6, 1939, where he grew up. An accomplishment he was especially proud of was in 1959 - 1960 he was part of the team of the Division of Civil Defense and Disaster Control Department of Defense, on the Bergenfield Fire Department in New Jersey. Later in about 1966 he and a friend moved across the country to San Diego, California. In September, 1967 he met the love of his life, Betty Faye Rimer, and they were married in Carson City, Nevada November 11, 1967. On November 30, 1972, they were sealed in the Oakland Temple. In this picture he was working at Mrs. Grossman's Paper Company, where they drafted and printed stickers. He was the safety manager and also tour guide. He took groups of school children around the plant to teach them how stickers are made. Ernie and Betty arrived in Snowflake on November 29, 2001 and moved into their home in December, where they have lived ever since. He was always active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, serving in callings such as Elder's Quorum President, President of the Ward Seventy's Group, High Priest Group Leader, and President of the Sunday School where Betty served as his secretary. He also worked with the Boy Scouts as treasurer for ten years. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, August 22 at Snowflake Stake Center. The viewing will be at 1:00 p.m. with the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Following the funeral he will be taken around the Snowflake Temple and then transported in a horse drawn hearse to his final resting place at the R.V. Mike Ramsay Memorial Cemetery in Snowflake with Military honors.