Walter Francis Thorp

Walt was a "Bloomie," having run all Bloomsday runs, he passed away suddenly while participating in a local run on September 12, 2009 - God speed. Walt was born on August 3, 1927, at Synarep, Washington. He was the third of four children. Following high school graduation Walt "Pete" was drafted into the Army in 1947. He fought the "Battle of Fort Lewis," and later started his college career at Central Washington University. While there, he played football, was a member of the track team, elected track captain and was also inspirational leader for three years. He graduated from Central in 1953 with a BA, 1964 with a MA in education. It was at CWU where he met and then married his soul mate, Lorraine. They celebrated their 56th anniversary July 11, 2009. From 1953-1969 he was a teacher and coach and principal at Wilson Creek Schools. He then continued on from 1969-83, where he was principal and Athletic Director at Odessa High School. Walt was a recipient of many awards and honors: to name a few, he was the first Athletic Director from WIAA District 7 on the Washington Secondary School Athletic Administrators (WSSAAA) Board. During his career he was WIAA District 7 Executive Secretary for 24 years and elected President of WSSAAA and was their representative at the National conference in Washington D.C. in 1972. Member of Washington School Principal Management Team Honor Roll from 1981-82. Received the SWABS 25 year award from the Greater Spokane Sports Association. He became a fixture at the State B Basketball tournaments, serving as assistant boys’ tournament director for nine years and girls’ tournament director for five years. Walt was also a member of WIAA District 6 board for nine years and then President for two years, Administrator of the Year for WIAA District 7 Activity Association in 1982-83, Bi-County Administrator of the Year in 1983-84, and was elected to the Washington State Athletic Directors Hall of Fame in 1991 and to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Hall of Fame in 2008. Walt will be especially missed by his loving wife Lorraine; his two daughters and their spouses Dianne (Doug) Kennedy and Annette (Cal) Barta; and also his two granddaughters Danielle and Kenzie, along with a special nephew and spouse Michael (Carla) Darrah. The celebration of Walt’s life will be held on Monday, September 21, 2009 at 1:00 PM The Lincoln Center, 1316 N. Lincoln. A map is available at www.thelincolncenterspokane.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association, 140 S. Arthur Ste. #610, Spokane, WA 99202.