Edward Thorpe

Obituary of Edward Thorpe Edward Brian Thorpe, age 66, peacefully passed away on May 4, 2014 in Leesburg, FL after a long battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis and Lung Cancer. He is survived by his wife, Rosalyn E. Thorpe, and three children, Edward Blaize Thorpe II, Kate Mansfield Thorpe and Patrick Brian Thorpe. He was preceded in death by Kate Witt Thorpe, the children's mother. A retiree of the Miami Beach Fire Department, Brian served as a Firefighter, EMT, Fire Safety Inspector, Fire Investigator and Educator. Brian was a decorated member of the Miami Beach Fire Department and US Army Veteran having served a tour Vietnam. During his tenure with the fire department, Brian was instrumental in the development and organization of the Miami Beach Honor Guard, was awarded the Medal of Valor, and the Distinguished Service Award Medal, among many other accolades and commendations. Within the local community, Brian was known for being a first responder. Where and whenever there was work to be done or a task to attend, Brian was quick to take action. As a dedicated leader, Brian never took credit without recognizing his team, and made sure that those around him were learning by being involved every step of the way. Brian's influences are too long to list; he was a confidant and mentor to anyone in need. Brian had a tremendous passion for life, loved to laugh, and loved to make others laugh. He was always quick with a joke or a prank. His dynamic spirit was felt by all who met him, and he was a great friend to all. Possessing a vibrant personality, he commanded any room he entered, and had a gravity that pulled others to him. He always joked about being a terrible golfer, but still loved to chase the ball down the course, he especially loved the camaraderie he shared with his golfing buddies. Ralph Waldo Emerson said "It is not the length of life, but the depth of life." Brian exuded that joie de vive, and lived his life to the fullest. In the past several years, his "happy place" was time spent on Beech Mountain, N.C. where he enjoyed the beauty and splendor of the mountains, wonderful friends and God's bountiful nature and gifts. We can only hope that his attitude is embraced by others, and that we too, live, laugh and love as much as he did. Always a man with sage advice, we try to remind ourselves that "Life Goes On," as he always said. The family requests donations are made in Brian's name in lieu of sending flowers. Suggested charities include Sunny Shores Sea Camp for children afflicted with Cystic Fibrosis, Wounded Warriors Project, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, or a charity of their choosing. Services will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at the Beyers Funeral Home Chapel located at 1123 West Main Street, Leesburg, FL 34748 at 1:00 P.M. There will be a reception at 4:00 P.M. at The Leesburg Opera House, Circa 1889, Banquet Hall, 2nd Floor, 108 S. Fifth Street (corner of Main Street and 5th), Leesburg, FL 34748. Services Services will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at the Beyers Funeral Home Chapel located at 1123 West Main Street, Leesburg, FL 34748 at 1:00 P.M.