Playford V. Thorson III, passed away at the age of fifty-six, on December 19, 2008, at his home after a courageous battle with ALS.                                                      

Born in Minneapolis to Playford V. and Harriet Thorson, Jr., he graduated from UND with a B.A. in communications and history. Playford received his teaching certification from the University of Northern Iowa. He earned his M.E.P.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1985. He began his twenty-eight year teaching career at Lincoln Jr. High, Kenosha where he met his wife, Kathryn Webb. They were married in 1982. They were blessed with two wonderful children, Kathryn and William. Playford was a gentle, Christian family man who had a true passion for teaching and serving. In 1993 he received Kenosha Unified School District's Distinguished Service Award. An avid North Dakota Sioux hockey fan, and a faithful Minnesota Vikings fan, Playford enjoyed also golfing and reading.  He and his family enjoyed many vacations throughout the United States and Europe. 

Playford is survived by his loving wife, Kathryn, and his two children, Kate and Andy; his parents Playford and Harriet of Grand Forks; four brothers - Erik and Jeffrey, Bradley of Fargo, ND, and Philip.