Robert Dayton Thistle

Thistle, Robert Dayton age 80 of Coon Rapids Minn., passed away on October 19, 2021. Bob was born in Detroit, MI on September 10, 1941 to Frank and Jane (Patterson) Thistle. He was the youngest of his siblings, Sally, Francis (Fran) and William (Bill). Bob attended Cooley High School in Detroit. Following high school, he graduated from Highland Park Junior College in 1964. He then attended Wayne State University where he served as President of Theta XI Fraternity in 1966 and graduated in June 1967. Its's at Wayne State where he met his first wife, Judy (Hassett); they were married in 1969. Bob made lifelong friendships at Wayne State and kept in touch with several of his "brothers". Bob pursued his passion with degrees in Public Policy and Public Administration. He began his storied career in public service with positions in Fenton, MI; Flint, MI, where he served as Model Cities Director; Sioux City, IA; and Coon Rapids, MN. In 1989, Bob began a new path within public administration as Executive Vice President for Springsted Financial. He developed the financial framework and systems for many communities in the region as they grew, developing and creating healthy, vibrant places to live, work and thrive. Throughout his career, he provided a consistent base of knowledge and expertise to those in City and County government. Bob leaves a legacy of integrity and service, reflected in his loyalty and commitment to the communities and citizens he served. Bob remained active in numerous organizations, including League of MN Cities, Coon Rapids Civil Service Commission and the Anoka County Internal Audit Committee. He served as Senior Advisor with the International City Managers Association (ICMA) and President of the Anoka County Library Board. In addition he served as Interim City Manager to several Minnesota communities in transition including Greenfield, Elk River and Albertville. Bob was also a proud member of the Coon Rapids Rotary Club and was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis. Bob had a zest for life, focusing on family first, especially doting on his grandkids. He was babysitter on call and the kids loved every minute of being with their Papa Bob, knowing he enjoyed them, too. He attended countless school, sporting, and music events as well as dance recitals. He taught the kids to enjoy many of his hobbies, including baseball, gardening and strategy games. His own kids, Jenny, Mark and Brian, enjoyed many of these same activities with their dad during their growing up years, as well as travel to destinations to see relatives and friends. Bob is survived by his wife, Julie Aldrich Linnihan; children, Jennifer (Dan) Kovacich, Mark (Kristen) Thistle, and Brian (Lisa) Thistle, and stepdaughter Kelly Linnihan (Kyle Bennett); his grandchildren, Madeline, Caitlin, Braden and Cullen Kovacich of Woodbury; Dayton and Avin Thistle of Eden Prairie; Carter, Lauren and Claire Thistle of New Brighton; and Cullen Bennett Linnihan of Roseville. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Judy, in 2007; parents Frank and Jane; sisters Sally and Fran; brother Bill; mother-in-law Olga; brothers-in-law Lew and Gary; and nephew Cory. Funeral service Saturday, October 30th, 11 AM at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN. Service will be live streamed at westminstermpls.org/....

Tributes

Robert Dayton Thistle

September 10, 1941 - October 19, 2021

Tributes

Robert Dayton Thistle

September 10, 1941 - October 19, 2021

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