Eric P. Thor, Jr.

Eric Peter Thor, Jr

February 11, 1947 - February 1, 2025

77 years old Gilbert, AZ 

Eric Peter Thor, Jr. passed away February 1, 2025, after a short illness.  Eric was born February 11, 1947, in Lincoln, Nebraska. He attended The University of California, Berkeley, from Undergraduate (Class of 1969) through his doctorate in Natural Resource Economics (PhD class of 1977).

Eric lived a full life, he was a smoke jumper, owned a bar, and served in the Presidential administrations of Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush; the final move for the family was to Arizona and Arizona State University.  During the 27 years he was at ASU, he ran multiple research institutes, hosted students from all over the world and did one of the things he loved most, teaching agribusiness to the world. He enjoyed innovation and adventure and was fortunate to work worldwide.

He was passionate about being on the water, fishing, sailing and spending time with family. Additionally, he had a lifelong love of travel.  He regularly went to his beloved family cabin at Silver Lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, traveled all over the world and visited all seven continents in his lifetime while making wonderful memories with family and friends.

Although he loved his career and hobbies, it paled in comparison to the love he had for being a husband, dad and grandfather. He could not have been prouder of his three amazing children, his five grandchildren and his love for them and for his wife was completely unconditional. He was a devoted husband, father, friend and brother. His sense of loyalty and charismatic personality made him a friend to everyone he met. 

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Janet W. Thor, children Eric (Lisa), Charles (Carrie), and Emily (Christopher), grandchildren Lindsay, Evelyn, William, Juliette and Eleanor. His sister, Ann Thor (Stuart Lind) and brother, Peter (Karen). 

A Memorial Service will be held at the church where he worshiped, Mission Del Sol Presbyterian Church, 1565 E Warner Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284, on Saturday, February 22nd at 2:00pm. Please wear bright colors and/or Hawaiian shirts. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Mission del Sol Presbyterian Church or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, www.tnt.org.