Troy Christopher Thoreson, 48, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love of his parents and family on March 4, 2021. Troy was born on June 12, 1972, in Cottage Grove, Ore. to Jane Ann (Watson) Thoreson and Stephen Joel Thoreson. On March 9, 2000, Troy was paralyzed and became a quadriplegic due to a serious car accident. Complications from his paralysis led to his early death.
While his paralysis shifted his life, it did not change Troy. He remained the real, honest, and fun-loving person he had always been for twenty years. He loved speed — from ski boats to motorcycles and scuba diving to NASCAR, and he shared his enthusiasm for all with his family.
Troy is a graduate of Marist Catholic High School and Chemeketa Community College, where he earned his Associates Degree and became a paramedic/engineer. He volunteered for South Lane County Fire and Rescue and worked for the City of Albany Fire Department. He also worked with his dad and brothers in construction.
Troy is survived by his parents, Steve and Jane Thoreson, Cottage Grove, Ore; brother, Marc Thoreson and wife Bri, Washoe Valley, Nev; brother, Matthew Thoreson and wife Lili, Pearland, Texas; and nephews, Jacob, Lucas, Zachary, Thomas, and David. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Cottage Grove, followed by interment at Fir Grove Cemetery, Cottage Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel.
Troy’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Cascade Hospice for their support and service this past month.
