Charles Larry Thorpe

In the early hours of Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Charles “Chuck” Thorpe went with the angels. He was 88 years old and at home comforted by his wife and a friend.

Chuck was born in Lansing, Iowa on March 13, 1938, to Lawrence Thorpe and Beatrice Race at the Thorpe family farm. He was a farm/ranch kid raised by his maternal grandparents, Charlie and Emma Race, in Burley, Idaho. They worked their farm, and during summers, Chuck went where his step-dad and mother were working at the time including a ranch in Dillon, Montana.

Check entered the Navy at the age of 17 aboard the “Kiddy Cruise” as it was called. He served as a shipboard electrician during his enlistment of four years active duty and two on reserve. He also had the fortunate experience of living in Japan for a year and a half.

After being discharged in California, Chuck worked a few odd jobs before joining the Westminster Police Department in Orange County where he served for nearly 10 years. In 1969, he was honored for “Bravery Above and Beyond.” Chuck then took a break from police work and went into private security.

On December 31, 1971, while working security at a large New Year’s Eve party, Chuck met the love of his life. Pam’s aunt was the hostess of the party and nagged Pam into coming. Chuck and Pam met at a party that neither wanted to be at and were together for 54 years, married 51 years. In 1974, they were married in Las Vegas.

During their lifetime together, they had many adventures and lots of fun.

They started their own security company not too long after the party, and sold it in 1974 to move to Lancaster, California. It was there that Chuck became chief of security at Air Force Plant 42 by Edwards Air Force Base. He was there when the first space shuttle rolled out onto the tarmac. Chuck and Pam were honored and privileged to meet many interesting people including NASA astronauts and many of the scientists and engineers that worked at the jet propulsion lab in Pasadena.

When the contract ended at Plant 42, he moved Pam to Idaho where he joined the Wendall Police Department. Since Wendall was just ‘a wide spot in the road’ at the time, it was a real “Mayberry” situation with a department consisting of the chief and Chuck. It was a little too small for him so they moved to Twin Falls where they both took jobs at the potato factory. It was the first ’no stress’ job that either of them had, and they had lots of fun there.

Chuck eventually went to work for the local police department, but it wasn’t long before he realized he was burned out. They packed up and moved to Omak, Washington where his father lived. There he worked for the county maintenance and emergency services departments.

It was in Omak where Chuck returned to the military. He joined the Washington National Guard AGR and served another 16 years of active duty. He was the SFC/NCOIC for several companies all over Washington, from ground pounder, transportation, armored to attack helicopters.

His last duty station was Yakima, and in 1995, he retired from the military. Pam said no more deserts and their retirement home needed trees and water. That’s when they moved to Libby, Montana. After 12 years, they knew they wanted to stay in Montana, just not in Libby. They found Anaconda in 2007 and said, “home at last!”

After moving, Chuck became a life member of the local DAV where he obtained the necessary grants to pay for the veterans’ van. He also helped as a driver and introduced the veterans here to a ‘stand down,’ providing lots of clothing and gear for them. Additionally, he organized a computer program for veterans where he took donated computers, cleaned them up, and gave them to any veteran in need. For this, he was honored as “Veteran of the Year” in 2011.

Chuck also volunteered with the Anaconda police commission, department of emergency services, and the coroner’s office.

Some of Chuck’s friends started him riding quads, but after his third trip to the ER on one of his play dates, Pam said “enough” and sold his quad. Chuck was also an avid reader and was well known at the library. Sam and everyone there were close to his heart. Chuck loved fishing, something his dad taught him. He also stayed busy with Pam who always found projects in the yard for him.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Thorpe and Beatrice Race, and an infant daughter.

Chuck is survived by his beloved wife, Pamela; the other love of his life, daughter, Windi Thorpe (partner Carl Eck); nephew Chris Tilley and family; Ryan Collins and family; sisters – Shari Barstow, Margi McClellen; numerous other nieces and nephews as well as many special friends. He considered you all family and he loved you so much.

Chuck was a humble man and grateful for his life and all of those around him. He asked that anyone wishing to make donations consider Wounded Warriors, the DAV, or a charity of their choice.

A celebration of life will follow with information provided later.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home have been privileged to care for Charles and his family.