It seems impossible to be writing an obituary for the one and only Thor Bauer, but here we go... Thor Erik Bauer was born April 5, 1969, in Detroit, Michigan, to Jim and Cora Bauer. In between then and his adulthood in Fort Morgan, he had many adventures. I'm going to skip some of the dates and just highlight the events that were so meaningful to him.

·        First and foremost, despite being born in Michigan, he grew up in Toledo, Ohio, and was a HUGE Ohio State Buckeyes fan. Everyone remembers seeing Thor in his OSU hat and t-shirt and insulting anyone else who had the audacity to support their own team. He liked to say, "Since you're from (any school but THE Ohio State University), "I'll be sure to talk slower." Now that he's gone, can I call this endearing?

·        Was a very proud Shoreland Elementary Firebird. This was a BIG deal. Apparently, where you went to elementary school determined everything important for the rest of your life. FIREBIRD FOR LIFE!!!

·        Graduated from Whitmer High School. His best memories, and most often-told stories, come from this time frame. I can't tell you how many stories we heard about him and his best friends, Troy and Casey, getting into trouble one way or another. Thor was especially proud of being "smarter than all of the teachers" and getting tons of girls to swoon over him. He was wistful about the hair he had back then.

·        Graduated from the Virginia Military Institute. He continued to say "We" when referring to VMI, even decades after he had been there.

·        Served in the United States Navy. He was stationed aboard the USS Independence during the Gulf War for both Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield. He was an extremely proud Sailor. Thor loved a good story, and we heard many, many, many stories of his time aboard the ship and his stay in Japan.

·        Acquired his Juris Doctor at the Capital University in Columbus, Ohio and began practicing as a lawyer in Fort Morgan, CO, where he stayed for the remainder of his life. He took pride in being a good attorney, and his favorite memory is of a client who gave him a card that said, "Thanks for giving a s#!* about me." That was a profound moment for him.

·        In 2002, Thor married me, and we began our family life in Fort Morgan. I was a package deal, coming with a 3-year-old son named TJ, whom Thor legally adopted in 2009 at a heartwarming ceremony in Judge Carl McGuire's courtroom. We had True in 2005, and we loved life with our two boys. Family days were filled with non-stop sports, ping pong competitions in the basement, family football in the living room, and, of course, Buckeye games on Saturdays.

·        Thor's social life was important to him as well. I know a lot of people will remember the famous Christmas Cocktails at the Bauer House and the REA golf tournament pre-party.  Those were unbelievably good times! He also enjoyed his golfing days, hanging out at the Queen, and going to Edwards' Market every day to get dinner. He loved to give grief to the butcher boys and flirt with all the female employees.

Thor leaves behind many people who adored him. The boys and me, who he absolutely cherished; his mom, Cora, who took such great care of him; his sister, Val, whom he shared an incredible sibling bond with; and his dog, Camp, the Robin to his Batman. Despite being 50% Chihuahua, Thor insisted on referring to him as a miniature Doberman.  He was preceded in death by his dad, Big Jim, and our hope is that they are together playing Euchre and shooting the breeze.

We all know that Thor was not himself towards the end of his life, but I truly believe that when people think of him, they will picture the REAL Thor-the one with his head back laughing loudly, the one telling stories, the one offering to help when anyone needed it, the one in Buckeye attire, the one who was so proud of his boys, the one who adored his wife, and the one driving around town with his beloved Camp on his lap. The magnanimous, vivacious, BIG Thor who was absolutely larger than life and just a FORCE.

He didn't want a service, but I have no doubt he would appreciate being toasted at your next gathering.

We all love you so much, Thor, and we are incredibly comforted to know you are finally at peace. O-H...