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David Hesla Obituary
Westerners under attack had fled to a gym as attackers, identified as Taliban fighters, threw grenades and fired AK-47s at them.
Reports are that at least eight people, including Hesla, were killed.
More than 30 U.S. soldiers in a half-dozens Humvees rushed to the hotel as part of a quick reaction force looking for Americans. The assailants seemed to concentrate their assault on the hotel's gym and spa, where foreigners relax and exercise at night, suggesting the militants had done advance surveillance.
The Taliban has targeted aid workers and civilian contractors with disappearing and killings, but this was the most daring and sophisticated attack yet.
Hesla, 45, had worked for BearingPoint since October and was in Kabul working on a federal government contract.
"We mourn the loss of our fellow employee, Thor Hesla. He was a loving son and brother and an important part of our BearingPoint family," a company statement said. "His commitment to helping the people of Afghanistan was well known, and we will miss him terribly."
Memories and Condolences
for David Hesla
54 Entries
Craig Livingstone
February 13, 2008
Thor,
Kind hearted fellow that I lent my couch to for a few nights back in the early-nineties. I enjoyed his spirit and thought his verve often was misunderstood.
He was a person that made a difference.
Rest Easy.
Miriam Zoll
February 9, 2008
The last time I saw Thor was in Washington, DC in the late 90s. We met at a Starbuck's and rehashed the old days of the Democratic Convention at Madison Square Garden in 92. We spent a lot of time together in NYC and I will always remember his steam engine energy and his discipline and drive to get things done. I will never forget Thor because he was as unusual as his name.
Peace to you Thor. You spirit will live into eternity.
Miriam Zoll
Cherie Welch
February 4, 2008
thor is and will always be one of those rare souls who appear in a lifetime, indelibly touching one and all with such an effervescent effusion of life that we, the recipients, thanfully, are never, ever the same.
you welcomed me to atlanta in 1996 with unbridled enthusiasm. thanks for the memories and the vibrantly colored threads you wove into the tapestry of my soul.
thor, you live on in thousands of hearts for you remain the poster child for the phrase, esse quam videri [to be, rather than to seem].
pax vobiscum to you, your family and all of us who love you.
Jenny Hamilton
February 4, 2008
My sympathies and prayers go out to the family and friends of Thor. I met him once, at The Little Five Points Pub about 20 years ago,and I remember how engaging he was and how the imprint of his memory has affected me. Although I don't do the same things as Mr. Hesla, I am a law enforcement officer, and I know what kind of passion it takes to be in public service, especially the kind of publice service that exposes you to danger. I hope God will be with you as you move through this life without him. As I have read others have written, his memory will live on through his work and the lives of those he touched.
Alice
January 25, 2008
David, my deepest condolences to out to you & your family for your loss. I was so sad to hear this news. Thor was a wonderful person with immeasureable enthusiasm for whatever he did. I worked with Thor during the Paralympic Games and truly enjoyed knowing him. It didn't surprise me to read about his assignment -- I always knew he'd continue doing great things for others. God blessed us all for the chance to know Thor. Please know you & your family will be in my prayers.
Gezim Morina
January 23, 2008
My deepest condolences to Hesla family.
We will miss you Thor, it was nice working with you.
Rest in Peace
Rocky Mabrey
January 21, 2008
My wife works at Bearing Point. Last week she got a company wide email informing everyone that a Bearing Point employee was killed in an attack in Kabul. She told me about it but never said the name.
This morning she got a follow up email that included a photo. I think back to the exact moment that she said the name "Thor" just seconds before turning her laptop screen towards me. I couldn't believe it.
I spent the day thinking about his big letters. I scrolled through his latest that came out a couple months ago.
I first met and worked with Thor in South Africa in 2001. Our evening ritual was to hit the hotel bar after our evening meeting and exchange stories. I remember liking him right away. The bar staff seemed to draw straws on who would get to wait on us because we tipped like we were in the states.
We worked together for only a couple weeks and I have probably only talked with him a handful of times since then but it was always a pleasure.
I live in DC and I constantly hear people getting rich off the "war on terror" Thor did what he did because he loved it and it was the right thing to do.
For his many, many friends and family I am so sorry.
(I apologize that this note may have been hard to follow)
Larry Steinberg
January 20, 2008
I thank you for your service to our country.
margaret cone
January 20, 2008
I am so sad about Thor. I work with screenwriters. thor and I have been playing the perfect hit. I will miss you and your funny emails. Love margaret
Howard Yellen
January 19, 2008
To the Many Friends of Thor and the Hesla Family:
Thank you for your comments on this guestbook. If you are intersted in seeing many photos of Thor and friends, reading some of Thor's writings, as well as rememberences writtenby others, and fniding otu about memorial services being held around the world, please visit www.rememberthor.com. Peace to you all.
Dave Miller
January 19, 2008
To Thor’s family and friends: My family and I offer our condolences and prayers for your loss. I got to know Thor when I had the honor and privilege of working with him in Arizona. In Kabul, Thor sacrificed his life in an effort to improve the lives of others, halfway around the world, whom he had never met. But then, that was an extension of virtually his entire career, whether in Kosovo, Kazakhstan, Johannesburg, Portland, Tucson, or countless places in between. While our loss can never compare to yours, the world community has lost a true friend of freedom and democracy.
Tess Linning - Seydel
January 18, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Thor during the 1992 presidential campaign. He was a wonderful person, and had such enthusiasm and passion for life. I have thought of him so many times over the years since. Please know you all are in my thoughts.
Linda Kauffman
January 18, 2008
Dear David,
I read about Thor's death in The Washington Post on Wednesday, Jan. 16.
My heart goes out to you and Maren.
With deepest sympathy,
Rose Lewis
January 18, 2008
My condolences to the family, even though I did not know him personally, I read his profiles and blogs. It is always sad when a loved one dies, and my prayers are for his family. I understand he was supporting the troops in Afganistan, I pray for all of the troops both in Afganistan and Iraq, my prayers are for all of our soldiers and their families. My son is in the Navy. Prayers for all.
Corinne Van Houten
January 18, 2008
Dear David, I was stunned to hear that your son, Thor, had died. Though I never knew him I am deeply saddened at your loss and the loss of someone who was so courageous and compassionate and dearly loved by so many people. I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathy and to let you know that you and your family are in my thoughts at this terrible, terrible time. Aching for you, Corinne
Mark Nichols
January 18, 2008
To the Hesla family. As neighbors in Mt Vernon, your family's friendship with ours will always be fondly remembered. I am very sorry for your loss. From what I have read about Thor, he was a very smart, funny and successful guy who lived well. Our family's prayers are with you.
Luc Verdegem
January 18, 2008
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where this is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled
as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Special thoughts to all your families, friends and colleagues at this sad time
An LinkedIn Brother
Amanda Papp
January 17, 2008
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Sally Witt
January 17, 2008
I just saw the notice today on LinkedIn about Thor. I am so sorry for your loss. He was an amazing man and an inspiration to many. Many Blessings for the family and friends of Thor. My prayers are with you. My deepest sympathies.
Sally Witt
Karen
January 17, 2008
My deepest condolences to your family. I'm an example of someone who Thor probably didn’t even remember, but someone who was significantly influenced by his work, particularly training campaign operatives in the 1990s. I know that there are dozens of us out there that were made better by his willingness to share his experience and warmth. His enthusiasm and dedication to our causes will live on through their work.
Stacey Locke
January 17, 2008
Thor's smile would brighten any room - from Atkins Park to the Olympic parking lot! He was a joy and a positive spirit in every sense of the word. His spirit lives on with all of us. My very deepest sympathy to his family and the extended family that grieve for Thor around the world.
Sandra Taylor
January 17, 2008
To David and Maren:
I was so sorry to hear about Thor's passing. This is truly a great loss to you, your families and the world. Mom and PJ had told me not long ago that Thor was in Afghanistan. I'll always remember his enthusiasm for life and his genuine warmth. I know David and Olivia will have wonderful memories of their beloved uncle. May God bless and keep you.
Valdet Kika
January 17, 2008
condolences to Mr Hesla's family, this week the world is a much poorer place for his passing, Me and all my friends in Prishtina will never forget him .
Eileen Parise
January 17, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with Thor's family. I had the pleasure of working with Thor on numerous events through "Pitts Nation" and will miss his kind heart, great mind and sense of humor.
Alison Jasper
January 17, 2008
Dear David and Maren,
I never met Thor but I am so very, very sorry to hear of the loss of your son and brother in these terrible circumstances.
Brikene Bunjaku - Schut
January 17, 2008
Dear Family Hesla,
I have known Thor since 2004. Together we organized trips, dinners, parties, birthdays... I received the new of his death while in East Timor as we were e-mailin back and forth about meeting in Bali. I can't believe I will not see him, laugh with him! He has talked always of his niece and nephew, hard working sister and father, and Stephanie. I hope we will all make it through this difficult time and just remember him for the fun, generous, loving person he was. I will forever be in debt to him for changing my life, I am so happy I got to know him, learn from him and get my nickname Brixie from him. Thank you Thor.
Andy Reilly
January 16, 2008
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Thor Hesla. I worked with Thor in 2002 on the campaign to re-elect Rep. Paul Kanjorski. Thor was an enthusiastic and positive influence on all of us this during that tough campaign. I will always remember fondly that time of my life and the good times that I had with Thor. God Bless.
Oliver
January 16, 2008
Kosovo is stunned. Every memory of you since you left is of the guy who loved and lived life to the full. This can sound corny in some contexts but not in this one. So few can hope to live and love life like you did.
Heidi
Heidi Nordberg
January 16, 2008
My heart flies out to the family and friends of Thor Hesla. In particular, and with deep affection, my sympathies to Professor David Hesla. My dear professor, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved son.
Theresa Cohen
January 16, 2008
My deepest sympathy to Thor's family. I knew Thor at Briarcliff. He had a great had a quick mind, quick wit and generous heart. He will be missed.
James Muldavin - Pitts Nation
January 16, 2008
Thor,
Rapier wit; Humor; Heart...An genuine and authentic human. My best to all his family and friends.
Jody Steinberg
January 16, 2008
My sincerest condolences to Thor's family and family of close friends.
Thor was one of the most intelligent, inquisitive and WITTY students in the BHS Class of 1980.
His interest in politics on our Close-Up trip to Washington was very telling - he applied that keen intuition and sense of justice to "do good."
I am so very sorry for your loss, and the loss that will be felt by those he served in his career.
May his memory be a blessing.
Robin Yaeger-Swift
January 16, 2008
Dear David and Maren,
I was so sad to hear of Thor's death. I remember meeting him on Virgil and Margaret's porch, and thinking, "what a neat guy." And I have learned how large the circles he traveled in became. Know that I grieve for you both.
Kristin Oblander
January 16, 2008
Thor was a wonderful person and worked tirelessly for many great campaigns and causes. His tragic death is a great loss, prayers are with the family.
Jon Marshall
January 16, 2008
To the family and other friends of Thor:
My deepest sympathies go forward to you for the sudden loss of Thor who died before his time.
This is difficult to believe.
I was at St. Olaf College in Northfield MN as a Freshman in 1980 and I can still remember the energy that young man had - a natural leader. I can still hear him say "Minnesota, what a concept!" on his way to dinner about 5 pm. I am amazed at what he did in his short lifetime and deeply saddened at his untimely death. Thor certainly distinguised himself as one of the outstanding members of the class of 1984 at St. O. I am proud to have known Thor.
May the Lord give us peace some day.
cheryl gibson
January 16, 2008
My prayers are very much with Thor's family
I worked with Thor in the 1996 olympics,he loved life and brought a lot of joy/knowledge!!!!!!!
John Johnson
January 16, 2008
My deepest sympathies to Thor's family and friends. I worked with Thor for four years in Kosovo where he was a great friend of all with a wonderful lust for life. The world will miss him.
Vickie Winn Bracewell
January 16, 2008
Tscharner, my mother and I send you our deepest sympathy. We have only fond memories of Thor through St. Barts and Briarcliff. He was truly couragous, sacraficing his safety to better the lives of others.
Carol Meyer
January 16, 2008
We are family of Stephanie Doscher, a very close friend of Thor's, and grieve with Stephanie at this most difficult time. We pray for Thor's family and wish them comfort in knowing how much he gave to the world during his lifetime.
Carol, Herb and Darrin Meyer
Thomas
January 16, 2008
May God gives the family strenght to deal with the lost of their love one.
The Thomas'
Georgia
Deidra Ierardi
January 16, 2008
My condolences to Maren and your family. While I haven't seen Thor in over 15 years, I remember the energetic spirit, the endless stories - and, the deep affection he had for his family. Thor lived more life in 45 years than most people do in 85! I worked with him at the National Leadership Coalition for Health Care Reform in the early 90's.
Rick Amerson
January 16, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of Thor's death. I will always remember his as such a kind and smart young man from our EYC days at St. Barts. My deepest condolences for your loss.
member of same gym international working in Kabul
January 16, 2008
condolences to Mr Hesla's family. The entire community here is deeply saddened by the loss.
Larry Benator
January 16, 2008
My sincere condolences to Thor's family. I remember Thor from our high school days at Briarcliff High School. He was one of the nice ones.
Larry Benator ( BHS class of 1980 )
Horacio Gutierrez
January 15, 2008
Thor was a great man with a great sense of humor. The type of person one always was happy to know and happy to see.
We'll miss you, Thor.
Beth & Jon Knuths
January 15, 2008
We are so sad to hear this news. We knew Thor at St. Olaf College and kept in touch through letters--his more witty and entertaining than ours. We send our sympathy to his father, sister and her family and all his friends--he had many.
Lisa Colby Anderson
January 15, 2008
Thor LIVED while he lived. What a life he shared with everyone who encountered him--he was the bomb in bombastic! He ATE the energy of the events we worked, from Atlanta 1996 to the Democratic Convention in 2004. He will be MUCH missed--much love to to his family...I am so sorry .
Steven, Mary, Will McLaughlin
January 15, 2008
Dear David: We are so incredibly sorry for your terrible loss.
Kenn Young
January 15, 2008
I never got to know Thor that well but I definitely remember he was friendly and genuine and no doubt he was this way with everyone he encountered. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
-BHS Class of '80
Carole Florman
January 15, 2008
Work was always more fun if Thor was on the team. He was a vibrant, funny, caring man with a wild streak and a passion for life. I will miss him and send my deepest condolences to his family.
Thor David Hesla, 1962-2008
January 15, 2008
Kirby Johnston
January 15, 2008
My deepest condolences. Thor touched many lives when he worked with me in Atlanta during the Olympics. He was compassionate and always did whatever he could to help others. I have a very sad space in my heart, a friend is gone on to be in heaven.
I will pray for Thor and his family through this very difficult time.
God Bless you Thor
January 15, 2008
Deepest Sympathy to the Thor Helsa family.
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