John B. Thorsness

Sep 23, 1956 -

Aug 12, 2021

Lifelong Alaskan and well-known attorney John Thorsness died unexpectedly on Aug. 12, 2021. A celebration of his life is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, at the Maternach Aircraft Hangar, 3720 Bellanca Way B., on the north side of Lake Hood. The doors open at 4:30 p.m., and ceremonies begin at 5:30 p.m.

To keep family and friends safe, we ask that those who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 wear masks. For those who can't attend, the event will be broadcast live via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87240745890.

John was born in Anchorage, Alaska, on Sept. 23, 1956. He graduated from West Anchorage High School in 1974, and earned a degree in history from the University of Washington. He graduated from the University of Oregon School of Law in 1982.

John grew up attending Central Lutheran Church, which laid a wonderful foundation for his strong Christian faith.

John began his career in law working with his father, David Thorsness at the law firm Hughes, Thorsness, et. all., where he made partner. He later joined Clapp Peterson Tiemessen and Thorsness, where he worked at the time of his death.

Though well known throughout Alaska as an attorney, work was only a way to support John's family and his passion for the outdoors. His love for flying began while lofting balsa wood gliders with his childhood friend, Todd Rust. They both qualified as pilots while teenagers and though their careers diverged, they remained friends and flying companions until John's last day. When he wasn't practicing law, John could be found packing his go bag and prepping his Arctic Tern to fly to his cabin at Lake Denali.

At the University of Washington, John joined the rowing team where some of his most enduring friendships began. There he rowed under renowned coach Bob Ernst, who later coached John's sister, Kristen, to an Olympic gold medal in rowing.

As a young man, John became fascinated with mountaineering, and began scaling peaks throughout the Alaska Range, including a traverse of Denali in 1990. Among his climbing companions are Vern Tejas, Charlie Sassara, Brian and Diane Okonek, Mike Lessimeyer and Grant Law.

John was a formidable opponent in the courtroom, and an unapologetic conservative who loved nothing more than talking politics, making for boisterous family gatherings. He also was a bit of a teddy bear, known for his generosity, fierce loyalty to and unambiguous appreciation for the wide circle of friends who gathered around him.

He met his wife of 30 years, Gerianne, while skiing through Portage Pass, both heading to Whittier to watch the Super Bowl. The family they made together over the next 30 years was the focus of his life. Though he was an accomplished pilot, knowledgeable in Alaska history and a skilled trial lawyer, he was most proud of his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Priscilla; and cousins, Jim and Julia Thorsness, Gail Webb Spurrier, and Carol Greenup. His survivors include his wife, Gerianne; daughters, Sophie (Steven), Annie (Dustin) and Kaiya (boyfriend Gaven); son, Henry; granddaughter, Daisy; brother, Dan (Victoria); and sister, Kristen (Lynne).

He also leaves many close friends including, Todd Rust, Dave Dickhaus, Dave Kyzer, the Lake Hood crew and the Lake Denali family.

Donations in his name can be made to the John B. Thorsness Scholarship Fund, Lumen Christi High School, 8110 Jewel Lake Road, Anchorage, AK 99502.