Obituary: Andrus 'Skid' Thorpe of Wayzata

Andrus Skidmore "Skid" Thorpe of Wayzata passed away, embraced by his loving family, on Feb. 15, 2012 at the age of 82 after a courageous, 25-year struggle with inclusion body myositis.

A lifelong Minneapolitan, Skid was born on March 30, 1929, beloved son of Gladys and Andrus Thorpe. He graduated from the Blake School and Princeton University.  

His business career spanned decades and occupations: an architect at 3M, stock broker with Dain Kalman and Quail, real estate manager with Thorpe Brothers Realty, President of the H. A. Rogers Company and Chair of the Thorpe Investment Company, a family holding company.

There were many loves in his life, most of all his family.  

Through the years, his patience, support, tenderness and generosity with each of them was unparalleled. He was a lover of music and a superb dancer, to which many women can attest. And he was a huge sports fan, particularly his Gophers and Vikings, girls’ basketball and always golf, which he played until he couldn’t grip a club anymore.  

He endured multiple health issues for over two decades and did so with humor, courage, determination and incredible grace. His amazing joie de vivre carried him through many trying situations. His crinkly-eyed smile, laughter, love and tender hugs will live in our memory forever.

Skid is survived by his wife Edie and children, Linda Comstock, Michael Thorpe, Timothy Thorpe (Diane), Laura Thorpe (Eric Bergerson), Lucy McKee (Louie) and Dan Thorpe (Karen). Ten grandchildren also graced his life: Scott (Michelle) Comstock, Kelsey Comstock, Molly, Megan and Thomas Thorpe, Bjorn and Sage Bergerson, Ahna, Lilly and Bridget McKee, and last but not least one great-granddaughter, Ashley Chang Comstock.

A memorial service in celebration of Skid’s magnificent life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012 at 3 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis.  

For those unable to attend, the worship service will be streamed live.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to The Myositis Association, 1737 King Street, Suite 600, Alexandria, Virginia  22314.   

Arrangements are being handled by David Lee Funeral Home in Wayzata.