Zeph Thomas Thorning II

Zeph Thorning II, 80, passed away May 5, 2024, at his home in Manhattan, MT, surrounded by his loving family. Zeph was born in Colfax, WA, to parents William and Marian (nee Cossitt) Thorning. He grew up and lived in Hollister, CA, most of his life. Zeph was an eagle Scout, and graduated from Fresno State University in 1966.

In 1967, Zeph and Margaret were married. Zeph completed two tours in Vietnam as a Naval Aviator and Plane Commander flying a P3 Orion, from 1967-1973, retiring from the Navy as a Lieutenant. Following Vietnam, Zeph’s adventurous spirit continued as he completed the 1979 Transpacific Yacht Race in the role of Celestial Navigator, and competed in the world famous Bisbee’s Fishing Tournament. He was also an avid outdoorsman, hunting and fishing with a passion for passing on what he had learned from those before him with a focus on the ethics and heritage of this lifestyle. Zeph was an excellent craftsman, builder, chef, outdoorsman, fisherman, yachtsman, husband, friend and father. He was very active in the Catholic church with a passion for helping others discover and deepen their faith. He had a brilliant and sharp sense of humor that endeared him to all that met him, and made those that knew him well love being with him. Zeph will be profoundly missed, and the void that has been created by his passing cannot be quantified for those of us who knew him best.

Zeph is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Margaret; daughter, Jennifer Parks; son, Zeph (Carla) Thorning III; grandchildren Zepho Thorning IV, Scarlett Thorning, Breen Thorning, Paige Parks, Lauren Parks, and Brooklyn Parks, all of whom reside in Bozeman, MT.