In Celebration of Friend and Colleague, Neal Thorpe
Memorials are designated for United Indian Mission International, Aviation Dept., PO Box 6429, Glendale, AZ 85312 (www.uim.org) or Columbia Presbyterian Church Foundation (805 Columbia Ridge Dr., Vancouver, WA, 98664-2615). Neal's obituary as it appeared in The Columbian newspaper (March 7).
Read tributes and remembrances in honor of Neal Remembering Neal by Jan Kennedy
A humble and quiet man, Neal's hearty and infectious laugh could nonetheless often be heard and enjoyed from far away. Understated but wise, he always thought carefully and thoroughly before speaking. His dry sense of humor and keen wit displayed the apparent spontaneity that only careful thought can produce.
Growing up as a young man in a rural environment, Neal always enjoyed being outdoors; he considered his vegetable, fruit tree, shrub, and flower gardens to be his fresh-air therapy. His annual trek to his Wisconsin property to tap his sugar maple trees and to process the sap into syrup was hard work, but high-intensity therapy. Long hikes in the mountains with friends, some of these hikes extending to nearly 20 miles, gave Neal added opportunity to enjoy his beloved nature.
Educated as a research scientist, Neal spent several years teaching and doing research at Augsburg College in the Midwest. He was an excellent writer and even wrote a successful undergraduate biology textbook while continuing his teaching and research. His interests always extended beyond the sciences, however, notably to history and the fine arts. He was an occasional but very able singer, especially of the sacred music literature. He even directed church choirs during his early professional years.
While serving in his college faculty position, Neal took occasional leaves-of-absence, allowing him to join the program staff of Research Corporation, a private foundation for the advancement of science, where he had the role of filling in for program officers on sabbatical. This introduction to private philanthropy especially focused on the sciences, ultimately brought Neal an invitation to join the staff of the Murdock Trust as Senior Program Officer. In this role, he was influential in developing the Trust's general program policies and procedures; he also initiated new programs in the sciences that did much to transform and strengthen scientific and medical research in the colleges and universities in the Pacific Northwest.
After serving about six years as Senior Program Officer, Neal was appointed a Trustee of the Murdock Trust, vacating his former post. Within about a year of this new appointment, however, he was asked to step in temporarily as Executive Director when that position became open, all the while retaining his Trustee status. Characteristically, Neal did so well in this dual role that the temporary appointment extended to more than ten years; he was finally able to retire, however, as Executive Director, and to focus his attention fully on his duties as Trustee.
Neal enjoyed flying, and for many years owned and flew his own small private plane. When a group of people, representing organizations involved in providing Christian mission and humanitarian air services to the developing world, approached the Trust with a proposal to design and build a new airplane specifically for these purposes, Neal took a special interest in the project. This allowed Neal to focus his deep religious faith, his interest in serving those in need, and his love of private aviation all in one package.
Neal did many things well, and was very much appreciated and loved by all those who worked with him; he would wish, however, to be especially remembered as a person of strong faith, deep personal integrity, and deep love for his family. We, his friends and colleagues, do remember him that way.
Tributes to Neal Thorpe
If you would like to submit a tribute or remembrance in honor of Neal, we invite you to do so at:
aliciam@murdock-trust.org
Steve Bass, President & CEO, Oregon Public Broadcasting
The M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust under Neal Thorpe’s leadership was essential to transitioning OPB into the modern digital era of broadcasting. Indeed, his strong support and guidance has made us into a stronger—and better—organization. We are very thankful for his friendship and counsel over the years and we will miss him very much.
Colin S. Diver, President, Reed College
Neal was very welcoming to me as a new college president and a newcomer to Oregon. When I came to Reed, I was well aware of its strong science programs. In my first meeting with Neal, I soon understood that Reed owed a great deal to his deep and thoughtful interest in undergraduate science education.
Mark A. Emmert, President, University of Washington
The Murdock Trust has been wonderful in its support of the University of Washington and this region. We will long remember Neal as a man of vision, integrity, and outstanding leadership.
Jane Monnig Atkinson, Interim President, Lewis & Clark College
We are profoundly grateful for Neal’s foresight as well as for his fervor. He has had a transformative effect on private higher education in the region. We cherish his legacy and miss his presence among us.
Lesley M. Hallick, President, Pacific University
Dr. Thorpe clearly envisioned the potential of undergraduate research to transform science education, and we are deeply grateful for his tireless work in this pursuit. We will all miss him and his wisdom, counsel, humor, and wit.
Alvin Kwiram, Vice Provost for Research Emeritus, University of Washington
Neal’s legacy will endure through the many programs and initiatives he facilitated and the people he empowered. His commitment in support of the acquisition of major scientific instrumentation at the research universities was unwavering, and the resulting Murdock Trust grants have been of enormous benefit to the research programs in the region.
Integrity, humility, creativity, and dedication characterized his servant-leadership life, and inspired all with whom he came in contact. He enriched our understanding of what a life well-lived can mean.
Timothy Close, Director/CEO, Museum of Glass
Neal Thorpe set an example of philanthropic stewardship that will live on in those who were impacted by his efforts, including Museum of Glass Trustees and staff. Let us hope we can all embody a small portion of his thoughtful nature and generosity of spirit.
Diana Gordon, Director of Education Outreach, Oregon National Primate Research Center
My impressions of Neal were really dichotomous: on the one hand, he seemed kindly and indulgent, genuinely impressed and proud of the changes we had made to improve our science program [at St. Mary’s Academy]. On the other hand, he clearly expected great things to come out of the gift we had received, and I, for one, was not about to disappoint him! I went on to take advantage of the wonderful Partners in Science program. The Murdock College Science Research Program and other programs in science education were a wonderful tribute and legacy to leave.
Rich Linton, Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, University of Oregon
We are grateful for Neal’s leadership of the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust and his passionate commitment to the value of scientific research that has created an enduring legacy in the Pacific Northwest. The University of Oregon’s research efforts owe much to the thoughtful grantmaking and ongoing encouragement that Neal brought to his work at the Trust. Our thoughts and prayers are with his colleagues at the Trust and his family.
Nancy Hales, Tod & Maxine McClaskey Foundation
Neal’s role as my mentor, my advisor, and my friend spanned 20 years. Neal helped our fledgling organization, the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, in numerous untold ways. He cared deeply about the place philanthropy had in Clark County, and he cared about how its legacy and results impacted both the giver and the “givee.”
Joe Erceg, Joseph Erceg Graphic Design
I will long remember the marvelous books, Messages, that the Murdock Trust produced under Neal’s directorship. I was privileged to have been chosen to be the graphic designer and worked on the books with him. He leaves an enduring legacy.
Rev. Paul H. Almquist, Pastoral Ministry Coach, Clergy Coaches
Neal and I were good friends during our college days at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. Among other great memories is that of playing in the college concert band under the direction of Mayo Savold. Neal was an able clarinetist, while I was a somewhat more average trombonist. I will remember Neal as a good friend and a person who was highly principled, especially in matters of faith.
Brad Cheney, Ben B. Cheney Foundation
I send my condolences on behalf of the Cheney Foundation for the passing of Neal Thorpe. Mr. Thorpe was a true legend and inspiration for philanthropic efforts in the Pacific Northwest. His passion for philanthropy was felt by many.
Doug Stamm, Chief Executive Officer, Meyer Memorial Trust
The trustees and staff at Meyer Memorial Trust were deeply saddened to learn of Neal Thorpe’s passing. Through his career he provided a high standard of honorable, thoughtful, and respectful grantmaking, and under his leadership the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust added much to our community and to the field of philanthropy. Many organizations in the Pacific Northwest are better because of Neal's work and his leadership at the Murdock Trust. He was, indeed, a statesman of our foundation community. We are fortunate Neal was among us and we will miss him.
Chris Craney, Director of Undergraduate and Sponsored Research, Occidental College
Neal Thorpe, a scientific pioneer, saw clearly the potential of undergraduate research to transform science education and impact the lives of many thousands of students at the colleges and universities in the Pacific Northwest. He worked tirelessly for over twenty years to realize this vision. His passion for science was only exceeded by his love to do the Lord's work in this world. It was an honor to work with him and count him as a friend. He was a kind and gentle human being and will be deeply missed.
Dave Voetmann, Mission Aviation Fellowship/Quest Aircraft
My wife, Marilee, and I were especially privileged to share fellowship with Neal and Kay during a cruise and land tour through Turkey and Greece in 2008 just weeks before Neal was diagnosed with cancer. We will always cherish our relationship and that time together.
Ellen E. Bussing, Sr. Director of Development, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation
I began my development career at about the same time that Neal joined the Trust, so I always felt a special connection between him and my “learning.” And I learned so much from him! For more than two decades I have been privileged to work closely with him, not only on fundraising projects, but also in matters of my own professional growth, in which I found him to be a warm and quietly thoughtful mentor. It was only as years went by that I began to recognize and enjoy the bonus: his dry-as-bone wit! Neal was a leader, an intellect, a true gentleman—and one of the kindest men I’ve met. I will miss him.
Adrianna Carr, Executive Director, The Holy Names Sisters Foundation
The profile of Neal, above, rounded out the wonderfully gentle man I’ve known through my 16 years of relationship with the Trust. Yet, it is his wife, Kay, who made the man whole. I often had the opportunity to see them interact and was always inspired by the wholeness of their relationship, each, in turn, providing compassionate care to the other’s needs. That picture is a gift I will carry in my heart for many years.
Shelley Rolfe, Academic Development Officer, College of Science & Engineering, Seattle University
I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Thorpe while working with The Nature Conservancy on the Moses Coulee project. He had a deep understanding of the methods and value of scientific research and thoughtful analysis of data to help with the preservation of wildlife and natural systems. That respect and practice of scholarship is also the hallmark of the Murdock College Research Program of which Seattle University is proud to be a part. We all send prayers and blessings to the Thorpe family and his colleagues at the Murdock Charitable Trust.
Fr. Rick Ganz, S.J., Jesuit of the Oregon Province, Marylhurst University
I have asked myself, as many do at the death of a good man, or even at the dying and death of this particular good man, Neal Thorpe, whether it might have been a better idea for God to turn back death, to keep its finality away from him whom we love. I am grateful for Neal and thank his family for the love they were around him that he might, and through many years in the Northwest, accomplish so abundant a purpose among us. Now we say to you, Neal, as we stand before the reality of your life in full: “It is accomplished. Go confidently into the fellowship of our ancestors.”
Harold E. Thomas, Trustee Emeritus, Quest Aircraft Company, LLC
Neal and I were together many times in connection with various programs such as Boise Rescue Mission, Northwest Nazarene University, and Mission Aviation Fellowship. Neal was always very slow to speak, but when he did you wanted to listen to the wisdom and thoughtfulness of what he had to say. He was one of the finest gentlemen I have ever had the pleasure to meet and spend some time with over the years. We will all miss Neal, but will look forward to greeting him in Heaven someday.
Paul Schaller, President & CEO, Quest Aircraft Company, LLC
Neal’s thoughtful and patient presence at the Quest board meetings provided a wonderful stability and backdrop of reason to any situation. His faith, always undergirding whatever his comment or position might be, was an inspiration to all of us and a continual foundation of truth by which to measure our thoughts. He provided me with small notes of encouragement at just the right time and his support for trying the untried or testing the untested underscored his courage and sense of adventure when the goal was worth striving for.
Carol Dobbs, Benefit Consultant, Coordinated Resources Group
Not very many people are left in this world who had as much character, dignity, morals, and love and caring that Neal had and he is one of the men that it was just an honor and privilege to know. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and his family.
Joyce White, Executive Director, Grantmakers of Oregon and Southwest Washington
Neal was a source of support, wise counsel and most of all, outrageous humor. I still have copies of cartoons he used to draw on the board agenda to amuse me—or perhaps to encourage me to keep my work in perspective. He was such a good soul and a true gentleman. I’m going to miss his presence but will always be grateful to have been in his company.
Norm Smith, President, The Ford Family Foundation
We share your admiration for a life of conviction, thoughtfulness, faith, science and philanthropy. I learned much from my association with Neal. He welcomed me to the table as a newly minted foundation CEO 13 years ago, now. We enjoyed our exchanges on boards and committees. I will miss that. I am so glad that our “paths crossed” in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Bruce E. Hagensen, Former Mayor of Vancouver
Neal’s guidance and support were instrumental in shaping the efforts to preserve our community’s history at the Historic Reserve. The grant to the city of Vancouver for the construction of the Jack Murdock Aviation Center and the Pearson Air Museum was pivotal in convincing Congress to pass the Historic Reserve Legislation, encapsulating 325 acres of historical assets under a common management plan.
The community then pulled together to form “One Place Across Time” to raise funds to supplement the generosity of the Murdock Trust. Both the public and the private sector responded with a total of $25 million dollars invested over the following years to not only meet but exceed the expectations of all who participated. We now have the Fort Vancouver National Trust to follow through with preserving and enhancing our historical assets.
Neal was a person of uncommon vision and tenacity encapsulated in a pleasant and quiet demeanor. He has contributed greatly to the fabric and well-being of our community and he will be sorely missed.
Carol Lewis, CEO, Philanthropy Northwest
I have wonderful memories of Neal from my first Philanthropy Northwest conference. I was a new CEO and seated next to him at dinner. (Some smart person in our organization knew that it was important for me to meet him and made sure it happened.) He was so quiet that initially I wasn’t quite sure what to think. But then he leaned over and with a twinkle in his eye, told me that he appreciated what we were doing at Philanthropy Northwest. It was a vote of confidence at the very moment I needed it. And it was my first glimpse of the warmth and humor that characterized his personality.
Elson Strahan, President & CEO, Fort Vancouver National Trust
While I most recently had the good fortune to work with Neal in my capacity as President of Fort Vancouver National Trust, I was fortunate to have met him many years ago when I served as President of the Clark College Foundation and Neal worked for the Murdock Trust as a program officer.
At this historic site we seek to recognize George C. Marshall in many ways. While his life achievements are uniquely unparalleled, it is his character traits such as candor, selflessness, commitment, and integrity that we honor. The Historic Reserve, including the Jack Murdock Aviation Center, has certainly been benefited by the generosity of the Murdock Trust, for which we are deeply appreciative. I would truly say, however, that our site, and every organization supported by the Murdock Trust, has equally benefitted by Neal Thorpe, who embodied the same character and reflected the same commitment to public service as defined George Marshall.
James M. Gentile, President, Research Corporation for Science Advancement
It has been a long and wonderful road, my friend. As I watched you work, the more I realized you were not only a marvelous scientist, but you were a visionary in leading both the Trust as well as the institutions that the Trust serves to new visions of excellence. Indeed, in the words of my mentor Max Depree (former President of Herman Miller Corporation) you demonstrated to me how an individual (you) and an organization (the Trust) put the concept of 'Servant Leadership' into practice. Neal, you taught me that a foundation could not only provide resources to institutions and individuals, but more importantly could guide institutions through environmental change.
Jay A. Barber, Jr., President Emeritus, Warner Pacific College
Neal Thorpe has been an extraordinary leader and friend. His passion was of course to make the Trust the best it could be, and he certainly accomplished that expansive goal. But if you wanted to touch his deeper heart you talked to him about collecting maple syrup on the home-place or raising artichokes in his garden, or his passion for teaching and mentoring, flying his airplane or fine choral music. Most of all he loved his family, Kay is clearly the dearest to him.
But that sense of humor...I'm still trying to figure that out!
As Neal passes from this scene, he leaves a huge hole for all who love and care about him. I certainly am one of those.
Kent L. Thornburg, Ph.D.
Professor and Associate Chief for Research
Division of Cardiovascular Medicine
Oregon Health & Science University
I met Neal Thorpe nearly 20 years ago. Neal was especially concerned about the quality of science education in K-12 schools and we often talked about how the Trust might contribute to helping Northwest schools get better. Neal was also concerned that private colleges, particularly faith-based ones. He wanted to encourage their pursuit of excellence and the important contribution they make to higher education in the Northwest.
It has been an honor to have known him, cared for him and appreciated his amazing talents. He will be greatly missed and I will always consider it an honor to have been his friend.
Katherine Gottlieb, Aleut/Filipino; President, Southcentral Foundation (Alaska)
Neal has been a true friend of the Alaska Native people he met in Alaska. I am sad and my heart grieves for his family and the Trust in this time of loss. Neal heard the cry of the Alaska Native people and encouraged the support of an initiative in its infancy that began a movement in Alaska to end domestic violence, child sexual abuse, and child neglect. The silence has been broken and generational change results have already been seen with worldwide impact.
Cary Paine, Executive Director, The Stewardship Foundation
I was a new foundation executive 10 years ago, entering a role without a manual, and wondering how I should perform in a variety of areas. As a colleague with valuable experience, Neal reached out to me with counsel and advice. He hosted me in the Murdock offices for a personal tutorial - Foundations 101. Neal treated me as a peer, with respect, graciousness and collegial encouragement. He has been a role model for me ever since, and I will always be grateful to him. Someday, I hope I can do the same for someone else.
Please be assured of our prayers.
Diane Kaplan, President and CEO of the Rasmuson Foundation
As a treasured mentor over the years, Neal, you have given me so many practical tools to do my work. But, more importantly, you’ve given me an approach to foundation work that is rooted in a spirit of generosity.
You also have taught me that, while work is important, it’s also essential to see the beauty all around us which God has provided—whether a garden of roses, a tall maple tree or the view out the window of a Cessna at 10,000 feet.
Mel and I send our love to you.
