Douglas Earl Thorpe JANUARY 8, 1929 – DECEMBER 8, 2015 Pontiac, Michigan

Douglas Earl Thorpe
Born January 8, 1929 in Pontiac, MI and passed away peacefully while sleeping at home during the evening of December 8, 2015, one month short of his 87th birthday. Doug is survived by son Steve (Nanci) of Midland, Texas; daughter Kathy (Don) Stevens of Oxford, Michigan; grandchildren Nick (Erica) Stevens and Becca (Matt) Peterson and great grandchildren Christie and Nolan Stevens and Finnley Peterson. Also brother Don, sister Joyce, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Doug was the loving husband for over 56 years to the late Barbara. He was also predeceased by parents Nial and V. Jean and brother Gene.

Doug served in the United States Navy from 1947 thru 1951. His sea duty was aboard the USS Manchester, CL-83, a light cruiser in Task Force 77 during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged and achieved the rank of Seaman First Class. Doug was a retired carpenter that had worked for several contractors including Frank Rewold and Sons, RRD Construction and Carpentry by Woodcraft. Doug worked at his trade for more than 50 years. He volunteered at Meadow Brook Hall beginning in 1971 and continued through the Christmas Walk 2014. Many years he served as the costumed doorman at the main entrance. He also, was a member of the Meadow Brook Squires, an organization that assisted with projects around the hall and grounds. Lions Club was also a very important part of Doug’s life. He joined the Auburn Heights, MI club in 1962, upon the disbanding of this club, he moved his membership to the Rochester Hills club. He was extremely active in the local, zone, district and state organizations. He was named a Melvin Jones Fellow by Lions International. This fellowship award is the highest form of recognition and embodies humanitarian ideas consistent with the nature and purpose of Lionism. The recipient of this award becomes a model because of the exemplary service to his club and the community for which it serves. Through his Lions Club involvement Doug also became very active including serving on the board of directors at the Bear Lake Camp in Lapeer, MI. This camp provides premier recreational/educational opportunities for persons with special needs. Many of the campers at this facility are blind or visually impaired children. After visits Doug often spoke of how amazing these children were. Doug will be sadly missed by his family, his friends and fellow Lions.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes are suggested to Lions Bear Lake Camp, Lapeer, MI or Leader Dog School for the Blind, Rochester Hills, MI.