Don Thimsen passed away on March 25th, 2019, at the age of 84.
Don had a 45-year career in missile defense radar technology development having worked with Bell Telephone Laboratory, RCA, McDonnell Douglas, XonTech, and Raytheon. He was an avid athlete, having played NCAA Division I tennis at New Mexico State and later enjoying softball, soccer, and basketball and topping off his sports enthusiasm with lots of golf. He was a devoted Crimson Tide football fan.
Don and his wife Pat first came to Huntsville in 1987 and settled in 1998 after three assignments. They also did three tours on Kwajalein with their kids, Donald and Mark, in the 60s and 70s. Don and Pat returned for their final 3-year Kwaj tour in 1995.
Don is preceded in death by his father Kendall and mother Annis and is survived by his brother Vernon (Phyllis), his wife of 64 years, Pat, sons Donald (Ann) and Mark (Erica), grandchildren Samantha, Matthew, Rachel, Tessa, and Grant, and one great-granddaughter, Lyla.
A Celebration of Don’s life with family and friends will be held at 3-5pm, on Sunday, March 31st, 2019, at the Valley Hill Country Club, 8300 Valley Hill Dr SE, Huntsville, AL 35802. In honor of his love of island life, heavy pupus (appetizers) and beverages will be served. Stick around and ‘talk story’ – a time for sharing stories about Don towards the end of the afternoon.
Memorial donations in memory of Don can be made to the Colon Cancer Coalition (https://coloncancercoalition.org/donate/, 5666 Lincoln Drive, Suite 270, Edina, MN 55436) or your favorite charity.
