Robert "Hipshot" W Thormahlen

Robert W. “Hipshot” Thormahlen March 7, 1939-April 27, 2022 Long-time Alaskan and one of the first truckers on the Haul Road for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, Robert W. “Hipshot” Thormahlen passed away on April 27, 2022, in Fairbanks, Alaska, with his loving wife, Darleen, and two of his seven children by his side. Hipshot was born on March 7, 1939, in Fromberg, Montana, to Wilbur and Mary (Mills) Thormahlen, the youngest of five boys. He leaves his beloved wife Darleen (Poulson). His children Shane Thormahlen Phillip and her husband, Mike, Shelly Thormahlen Kemp, Lisa Thormahlen Miller and Misty Thormahlen. Darleen’s children Mike Swan, Sherry Swan Shydler and her husband, Mike, and Ben Swan and his partner, Ricky Mayhugh. Other children include Randy Goins and his wife, Karen, and Dick Goins, and his wife, Staci. He loved all his children as his own. Also, many grand- and great-, great-great-children, many nieces, nephews, in-laws and close friends, who he also considered family. Hipshot is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Bill, Wally, Raymond and Donald. Also, his grandparents, aunts and uncles and many other relatives and friends. Hipshot was a man with an independent spirit, a quick wit, few words and a kind heart. Many will recall his arduous trips to Prudhoe Bay in the 70s and 80s – long before “Ice Road Truckers” became a popular buzzword – and then his shorter trips to “the border” that continued just a few weeks before he passed. There are those who said Hipshot would have his last journey in his truck – that he would never retire. Darleen and Hipshot were planning those elusive Golden Years even as his time on Earth drew short. During his precious time off, Hipshot loved fishing, golf and cheering on his favorite teams, especially during basketball season. Hipshot and Darleen built a loving home in Fairbanks where they hosted parties and holiday get-togethers for a multitude of family and friends. Their welcoming nature made everyone feel comfortable and a part of their extended family. It is our hope that those memories will be a blessing as we continue our own personal journey without him. The family offers their gratitude to their dear friend Shannon McKinney for her help during this difficult time and to the nurses and staff of Fairbanks Memorial Hospital and Foundation Health Partners Hospice Services. No services are planned at this time.