Joseph Edward Thiriot

Apr 2009 Issue

Joseph Edward Thiriot, 102, died March 22, 2009, at his home in Las Vegas. He was born in Provo, Utah, Aug. 20, 1906, to the late George William and Alvira Rhoana Henrie Thiriot. He was 12 when his family moved to Pahranagat Valley and he lived in Nevada 90 years. Graduated with a BA from BYU and MA from Northwestern University. He taught at Lincoln County High School, in Nevada for seven years, then in 1940, came to teach at Las Vegas High School.

He retired from teaching in 1967 and was in the insurance business for many more years. Joseph was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was a member of Kiwanis Club, Westerner’s Quartet, Desert Chorale, NSSA, L.V. Gem Society, and Community Concert Association. He was honored to have an elementary school named for him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen Miller Thiriot; and his brothers, Henrie, Dean, Jim and Bill. Joseph is survived by his children, Alice (Vern) Waite, Jeannetta (Jan – deceased) Peterson, and Jon (Judie) Thiriot; 14 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Interment at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, he would love to have donations made in his memory to the Joseph E. Thiriot Elementary School, 5700 W. Harmon Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103.