After a long battle with heart failure, Thalbert slipped peacefully into eternal rest with the Lord on June 29, 2021, at the age of 79.

He is survived by his cherished wife of 58 years, Bobbie McGinness, two daughters Bettie McGinness and Kellie Kubena, son-in-law Lance Kubena, and one grandson Charlie Kubena.

He is preceded in death by his parents Jess and Irene McGinness, a sister Thala, and brother Thalan.

Thalbert spent almost 40 years working in oil and gas exploration. As a petrophysicist, he was always working to "know exactly what was down there in that hole in the ground" where they were drilling. He was very proud of his work and highly respected in his field.

After his retirement, he was always available to share his knowledge with others.

He was also an avid gardener who loved to grow flowers and plants that would bring the hummingbirds and butterflies to the yard.  He also enjoyed swapping seeds and plants with friends and family.

He loved his family and his little dog, Tessa.  He especially enjoyed being Grampy to Charlie, always taking time to work on projects, go fishing, or talk about cars.

Thalbert was as imaginative and loyal as the dragons that populated his office.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.