Tom Silverthorn

Tom Silverthorn, 68 of Hurley, passed away on April 28, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family.

Tom R. Silverthorn AKA Ronald Lee Perry was born September 11, 1957 to Leona Perry-Hendrick.

At Birth he was adopted by Ray and Harriet Silverthorn with the name of Thomas Robert Silverthorn. Being adopted into a caring family gave Thomas a strong sense of belonging and security throughout his formative years.

Tom went to school and graduated. After graduating high school in 1975, Tom enrolled at ITT Tech to pursue his passion for computers. Following his studies at ITT Tech, he continued his education at Grand Rapids Community College before earning his C.E.T certification.

Tom later married Patricia Morton and to this union a daughter Tricia Ann Silverthorn was born on 8/22/1984.

Tom later married Mary King to this union a daughter Natasha Rosalynn Silverthorn was born on Sept 11, 1989 on Tom’s 32nd Birthday.

He did many jobs in his life but the one that seared his heart was computers and programming. He hosted and produced many websites that are still in operation today.

Tom met his current partner Meredith Clark as she was doing the same line of work.

Tom moved to South Dakota with his Leader Dog Ranger in May of 2009.

Tom and Ranger did many presentations about Leader Dogs for the Blind, inspiring countless people with their teamwork. After Ranger retired in September 2013, he enjoyed a well-deserved rest before crossing the Rainbow Bridge on February 23, 2015.

Tom received another Leader Dog named Riddick later on. He was with him for 13 years with 10 as a working animal. Riddick crossed the Rainbow Bridge on 5-2-2025.

Tom was a trouper as he was battling Diabetes, Loss of Sight, Parkinsons, and a tumor.

Tom is survived by his partner Meredith Clark (Hurley), His sisters, Renee, Michelle, and Melissa (Michigan) His Daughter Tricia Silverthorn (Hurley) and her children Anibal Maldonado, (Sioux Falls), Alex Diaz-Silverthorn (Hurley), Wendi Silverthorn (Fort Lee, Virginia), Daniel Padilla (Hurley), Yalexis & Pedro IV. His Daughter Natasha Green, her husband Joseph Green and her children Charles, Damian and Rayvn (Alabama). Plus 2 great grandchildren Anibal Jr. and Azealyah. Also, many nieces’, nephews, friends too grand to list.

A celebration of life will be held May 2, 2026 from 2pm to 4pm at the Viborg DBS Hall. EVERYONE is invited to join