SOUTHBURY – Harold Louis Thorgersen, the patented inventor of the Timex Indiglo watch and avid adventurer, recently died February 27, 2024, at the age of 93.
Born in Detroit, Mich., on August 19, 1930, his family returned to Oslo, Norway, where he grew up and attended Norwegian schools, winning academic prizes and skiing honors. Most of the early 1940s was spent under the Nazi occupation of Norway, experiencing the harshness of the Nazis and barely escaping capture when he refused to join the Norwegian Nazi Youth.
After completing his education in Norway, he attended Purdue University, securing a Bachelor of Science (1955), Master of Science (1956), Ph.D. in Physiology (1958). He was chosen as a Fulbright Scholar and attended Phillips University, Germany (1957-1958). He later attended Cranfield University in the UK, earning a Master of Science (1962). In addition, he was a Member of the Polytechnique Society (president 1965), and Sigma Xi.
Harold Thorgersen’s career was vast and impressive, including: researcher, George Washington University, El Paso, Texas (1958-1960); researcher, University of Oslo, Norway (1960-1962); scientist, Royal Norwegian Research Association, Oslo, Norway (1967-1984); chief executive officer, Shipping Research Superior, Inc. (a stock based company), Oslo, Norway (1967-1984) and Chairman SRS, Inc., Houston board of directors Aker Engineering, Oslo, Norway (1970); and, scientist, Timex Corporation, Middlebury (1984 – 1995) – inventing the Indiglo Timex watch, which sold 5 million units when first released in 1990 and doubling the next year.
Throughout Harold Thorgersen’s life, he traveled extensively with his wife, Bette, to Asia, South Africa, Europe and Russia. One of their greatest pleasures was to summer vacation at the Lyche/Thorgersen cottage on the Isle of Rom, located off the coast of western Norway. Every summer it was and continues to be a tradition for the Lyche/Thorgersen family and friends to meet and reconnect.
Interestingly, in 2001 Harold realized his life-long dream and sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in his 42 foot sailboat, the Elegast. Thereafter, many sailing adventures occurred, sailing with family and friends in the North Sea and around northern Europe.
Other interests that Harold pursued besides traveling, was being a voracious reader, enjoying fine arts, music, entertaining friends and hosting a weekly lunch for his science buddies to debate science theories.
He also enjoyed hiking, especially in mountains, driving his Porsche fast and racing his BMW motorcycle. In fact, at the age of 79, he joined his cousin Ted Wagner for a ‘last hurrah’ motorcycle trip, entitled ‘Two Old Guys and Two Old Motorcycles’, beginning in the Pacific Northwest and traveling through the states of Montana, Wyoming and into Canada. Harold indeed lived life with zest!
Harold is survived by his nephews, Eric (Kari) Lyche and Harald (Nancy) Lyche; great-nieces, Merete (Zane) Wilson, Liv Lyche, and great-nephews Christian Lyche, Thor (Abbey) Lyche; and great-grandnephew, Tobias Lyche. In addition, he is survived by great-nephews, Alex Lyche and Christopher (Megan) Lyche. He is also survived by his cousin, Ted Wagner (Iris); and his foster child, Ranveig (Sven) Putz of Oslo, Norway.
Throughout Harold’s life he remained close to his wife Bette’s family, including brother-in-law Bob (Delores) Juntila, and niece Marina Juntila, plus many great-nieces and -nephews, as well as a plethora of friends.
Harold was predeceased by parents, Louis Kristoffer and Hjordis (Billington) Thorgersen; wife Bette Jean Juntila Thorgersen; sister Mildred Lyche, and brother-in-law Bjorn Lyche.
A Celebration of Harold Thorgersen’s Life will be Saturday, April 13, at 2 p.m., at Watermark at East Hill, 611 East Hill Road, Southbury.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Harold Louis Thorgersen’s name may be made to Friends of Woodbury Senior Community Center, Inc. (P.O. Box Office 493, Woodbury, CT 06798) or the Boy Scout Venturing Program for teens to teach them about building adventures, such as sailing and boat safety, as well as leadership skills (to donate go to donations.scouting.org).
To leave an online message of condolence, please visit munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.
