Richard Louis Thorpe, aka ‘Captain Zarkon,’ has left the planet, returning to planet Zarkon on November 24th, 2025, surrounded by his family.

He was a friend to many, father to four, husband to one, grandfather to many, passed away with his family by his side, still sharing laughs and love, telling stories while saying goodbye.

He was born on Catalina Island on the 17th of September, 1943. He and his older brother grew up playing and loving everything about sports. Recently, they were debating which Los Angeles Rams game they were at in 1951, the Lions or the 49ers.

Their father took them to the game. As much as he loved sports, he loved people infinitely more. He worked at Beverly Hills Parks and Rec when he was in his 20’s, leaving such a positive effect that 30 years later he would still get letters from kids who had been grateful for his guidance. As an adult, he had been sober for 45 years, and for most of those years he was sponsoring others through their challenges, an empathetic man.

He loved kids, and was happy to play the role of Grandpa for more than his own ilk. For a time, he volunteered as a child advocate, supporting children who were being abused and neglected, a heartbreaking experience for him, but one that he took on with a big heart. He was grateful to be in a position to be there for others.  

He worked hard to build a beautiful life for himself and his wife of 52 years, Clio. They travelled, they played, they danced and they loved each other through and through. And that love saturated the rest of the tribe, the kids, the grandchildren, friends, and even friends of friends.

He was giving of his presence and of his time. When asked what his purpose in life was, he’d always say, “to make people smile”. And so it was, a man who took care of business while maintaining the playful nature of a child. “I won’t grow up, I don’t want to grow up,” those words from Peter Pan were playfully sung. Words will never capture the ripples of his affection, the lives he touched, and the hearts he has moved with his presence.

He loved people as they were, free of judgment, yet sincerely present to the challenges of being human, challenges that he himself faced as well. 

The evening he passed, he was surrounded by his family, lucid and aware of the next adventure he was about to go on. 

He said there were butterflies floating about the room and one last time, we all partook in the wonder of life coming and going as he told a brief story about Herbert the Giant butterfly, the main character in all the heroing adventure tales he told, a graceful being, who comforted children and adults alike, the best parts of ourselves reflected through the eyes of Herbert the Giant Butterfly. 

Richard Louis Thorpe, a man who lived with wings wide open… 

In loving memory, Clio, Christa, Jason, Britt, Erin, Emeric, Tracy, Anthony, Dustin, Summer, Jordan, Sierra, Mazzy, George Z. and so many more who will forever love and be loved. 

May his memory bring you beautiful feelings and a magnificent smile.