Richard W Thorin

July 30, 1944 – June 10, 2026

Richard Wayne Thorin passed away peacefully at home on June 10, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply. He was 81 years old.

Born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on July 30, 1944, to Alfred Leonard and Ruth Muriel (Schmidt) Thorin, “Richie” entered the world two months premature and was not expected to survive. He was the older - by eight minutes - of twin boys, Richard and Ronald. From the very beginning, perseverance became one of the defining themes of his life.

Rich enjoyed a classic Wyoming childhood filled with baseball, newspaper routes, family gatherings, and adventures that became treasured stories. He played in one of Wyoming’s first Babe Ruth Baseball leagues, with his father as coach, his twin brother as pitcher, and Richie behind the plate as catcher. He and Ronnie were even invited to serve as bat boys for the Minnesota Twins.

Life tested Rich early and often. As a boy, he survived a near drowning, and as a young man he survived a tunnel collapse while working for the Wyoming Highway Department. He suffered traumatic injuries in the Navy that left him with severe back pain that resulted in decades of surgeries, treatments, and chronic pain. Yet he rarely complained and almost always wore a smile.

After graduating from Cheyenne Central High School, Rich joined the United States Navy, serving from 1962 to 1965. On October 8, 1966, he married Sandra Sue Harper in Cheyenne after a whirlwind seven-month courtship. Their marriage became a partnership that lasted nearly sixty years and was blessed with three children, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Following a move to Missoula, Montana, Rich reenlisted in the Navy and served from 1968 to 1976, including two tours in Vietnam. Military life took the family to California before they eventually settled in Arizona. After leaving active duty, Rich built successful careers, first with ServiceMaster, then in the nuclear power industry, and finally with Commonwealth Edison. Even in retirement, he continued working as a contractor and assisted with FEMA disaster recovery efforts following major hurricanes.

In 2007, Rich and Sandy made their final move to Houston to be closer to family, a decision that brought him tremendous joy in his later years.

Faith was central to Rich’s life. A devoted member of Second Baptist Church in Houston, he loved worship and music. Blessed with a beautiful tenor voice, he faithfully sang in the choir whenever health allowed. Through music, he expressed both his faith in Jesus Christ and his love for others.

Those who knew Rich will remember his optimism, kindness, and genuine interest in people. He had a gift for making everyone feel important and welcomed. Most of all, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend whose love for family remained steadfast throughout his life.

Rich is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Sandy; his children, Rodney and Amanda Thorin, Steven and Kristen Thorin, and Richelle and Tim Crook; his grandchildren, Kaylee and Jacob Null, Austin Kemp, Keaton and Bri Thorin, Bailey Thorin, Sarah Jones, Addison Thorin, Emelynn Thorin, and Ellery Thorin; and his great-grandsons, Noah, Hudson, and Hunter Null.

He is also survived by his sister, Carol Olson of Norfolk, Nebraska, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Ruth Thorin; his older brother, Donald Thorin; and his twin brother, Ronald Thorin.

A funeral service celebrating Rich’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 in Hankamer Chapel at Second Baptist Church, 6400 Woodway Drive, Houston, Texas. A reception in the Deacon’s Parlor will follow. Interment will take place at a later date at Houston National Cemetery.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Danielle Roberson for her loving care and support during Rich’s final days; to Mario Rios, whose steadfast friendship made him a friend who was truly like family; and to the many caregivers, church members, and friends who walked alongside Rich throughout his journey.

Rich’s earthly journey has ended, but his legacy of faith, love, service, and devotion to family will continue through the generations that were blessed to have known him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Honor Flight Houston (honorflighthouston.org/individual-donations/).