Gerald Rey Thorstrom

Gerald Rey Thorstrom, age 91, of Olympia, Washington, passed away peacefully of natural causes on July 28, 2026, at Providence St. Peter Hospital.

Gerald was born in Fort Bragg, California in 1934 where he grew up and attended primary and secondary schools. Following his Early education, he proudly served his country by joining the Marine Corps reserves driven by a lifelong fascination with mechanics and flight. He later attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he pursued a degree in aeronautical engineering

During his college years in San Luis Obispo, Gerald embraced his adventurous spirit. He loved racing off-road motorcycles, spending hours modifying classic road bikes like triumphs and Indians to handle the dirt tracks. He was also a proud active member of the “slow turtles” motorcycle club. During this vibrant chapter of his life he met Lynda Scott and in 1957 they were married, beginning a beautiful journey together that spanned decades and blessed them with three beloved children

In the 1960s Gerald’s engineering expertise brought  him to McDonald Douglas, where he contributed to the nations space and defense efforts, working on the Titan missile program at Vandenberg Air Force Base.  During the same era Gerald and Lynda brought a beautiful piece of lakeshore property on  Okanagan lake in British Columbia, Canada. This became a sanctuary for the family.  Every  summer for 13 years Gerald would transport his family to a remote cabin on the lake creating a lifetime of cherished memories  filled with swimming, boating, and enjoying the wild outdoors

In the summer of 1974, Gerald embarked on a new professional chapter, he hauled his family and several  family pets to Olympia, Washington. There he joined Arvid Grant and Associates prominent counseling engineering firm known for designing major Bridges across the state, bringing his sharp structural mind to local infrastructure. Gerald worked alongside some of the nation's top minds before eventually partnering with several fellow engineers from their fellow independent small-scale engineering and draft consulting firm, Sigma Engineering Company.

Gerald retired in 1999 allowing him to fully commit his time to his lifelong passions. His truest love was aviation with a particular fondness for experimental single engine aircraft and taildraggers. In  his retirement he spent countless happy hours flying and meticulously maintaining his plans, including his Aeronca Super Champ and Bellanca. He never lost his love for two-wheel machinery either; his garage was a constant hub of activity where he tinkered with, rebuilt and restored classic triumph, Honda, and Suzuki motorcycles. He was also a regular at Starbucks nearly every morning to meet up with his coffee buddies who shared his interests.

Gerald is survived by his ex-wife Lynda Thorstrom  and their three children, Russell Thorstrom, Nichon Thorstrom-Smith, Michelle Thorstrom and one grandson Garrett Thorstrom-Smith and his wife Allison Smith. He will join his youngest grandson Colton Thorstrom-Smith chasing adventures in the stars and beyond. He also leaves behind his Starbuck's buddies and fellow aviation and motorcycle enthusiasts who will miss his friendliness, ingenuity, and adventurous heart.