26/10/2026
Today we remember Patrolman Irving Thorsvig.
Honoring 100 Years of Service, Sacrifice, and Remembrance.
Irving Thorsvig was born on September 21, 1899, in Everett, WA, to Andreas “Andrew" and Jennie Thorsvig, who immigrated to the United States from Norway. Thorsvig's father owned a brickyard in Woodinville and raised the family in Everett where Thorsvig attended school. Thorsvig had four siblings: Nelle, Albin, Olaf, and Maria.
While still enrolled at Everett High School, 17-year-old Thorsvig joined the National Guard in 1916, in the midst of World War I. He joined Battery D of the 63rd Artillery and was mobilized to Fort Casey on Whidbey Island for training. The unit was deployed to France in 1918, arriving just as World War I ended.
Thorsvig was discharged from the military in the fall of 1918, at the rank of Private First Class, and returned to help manage his families brickyard. He married Claire Olive Hambridge on December 17, 1919. The couple had two daughters: Patricia and Gloria.
Though discharged from the military, Thorsvig continued serving his community after being commissioned with the Washington Highway Patrol on February 13, 1926, under the authority of Chief William Cole.
Patrolman Thorsvig died on October 26, 1926, at the age of 27. Patrolman Thorsvig died from his injuries 27 days after his motorcycle slipped on the brick surface of the old Bothell-Seattle highway, where a handlebar struck him in the chest. At first, it was believed to be a minor chest injury and later a bruised lung but developed into a serious lung problem. His mother took him to Los Angeles for treatment, but he died before reaching a sanitarium. At the time of his death, Patrolman Thorsvig had served only nine months with the Washington Highway Patrol.
His daughter, Patricia, was six-years-old at the time of her father's death, and Gloria was five-years-old. Both Patricia and Gloria passed away in 2014.
Gloria had six children and the Memorial Foundation has been in contact her son, Irving, who is a dentist in Pasadena, California, and daughter, Claire, who lives in Portland, Oregon. Patricia had two children, Ty, who lives in Seattle, and Gloria.
Patrolman Thorsvig's father, Andrew, passed away in 1910 and his mother, Jennie, passed away in 1933. Olaf Thorsvig passed away in 1916. Albin Thorsvig passed away in 1945. Nelle Thorsvig passed away in 1976. Maria Thorsvig passed away in 1979.
On May 20, 2016, a dedication ceremony was held at the Bellevue District Office to officially dedicate the memorial garden, a peaceful and beautiful space created to honor and remember our fallen King County personnel. When you visit the Bellevue District Office, take a moment to stop by this special place, reflect on the service and sacrifice of those we have lost, and honor the legacy they leave behind.
In October 2021, District Two command staff placed flowers on Patrolman Thorsvig's graveside in Everett and at the Bellevue District Office memorial garden to honor the 95th anniversary of his passing.
Today, floral wreaths will be placed at the WSP Academy in Shelton by the 123rd Trooper Basic Training Class, and in the Bellevue District Office memorial garden in solemn remembrance of Patrolman Thorsvig honoring the 100th anniversary of his line of duty death. A century later, his service, sacrifice, and legacy remain forever in our hearts.
Please take a moment to remember Patrolman Thorsvig and his family.
