David Paul Thurin

Thurin David Paul Thurin, age 74, of Edina, formerly of Canton and Cincinnati, OH, died Aug. 31, 2003 at N.C. Little Hospice in Edina. Preceded in death by parents, Marion L. & Elizabeth Cavanaugh Thurin; brothers, Richard, Julius and James. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Margie Sebastiani Thurin; 5 children, Anne & Theodore Hacker, Christopher & Mary Thurin, Sally Thurin & Steven Rollin, Gregory & Susan Thurin, Jane & Kevin Collier; 14 grandchildren, Nicholas, Peter & Katherine Hacker, Paul, Matthew & Grace Thurin, Robert & William Rollin, Jessica, Joseph, Michael & Thomas Thurin, Sarah & Andrew Collier. In addition, David is survived by 2 brothers, Louis of Minerva, OH and John of South Bend, IN, and sister, Mary Elizabeth Freeman of Incline Village, NV. Born on Aug. 27, 1929 in Canton, OH, David was a graduate of St. Joseph's Academy in Rensselaer, IN, and a graduate of St. Thomas University in St. Paul. He received a Master's in Education from Xavier University in Cincinnati. David also attended St. John's University in Collegeville, MN. In Ohio, he taught high school English and worked in educational publishing. He came to Minnesota to work for the Urban Affairs Commission of the St. Paul/Mpls Archdiocese. A long-time neighborhood activist, he and his wife founded "The Calhoun News," a monthly community newspaper. He was a jogger, swimmer and lover of poetry, birds and trees. David was a pacifist and a man who lived and loved his Catholic faith. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease 31 years ago. David organized the first Parkinson's support group in Minnesota. In 1997, with the help of the community, he was the first person to undergo bilateral deep brain stimulation surgery at the University of MN. Despite advancing Par- kinson's, David's spirit was indomitable always. The family wishes to thank the Struthers Parkinson's Center, N.C. Little Hospice, and the friends & medical staff who walked with David. A special thanks to Salvador Valdovinos, a loyal friend. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, Sept. 6, 11 AM, Church of St. Joan of Arc, 4537 3rd Ave S. Private interment, Lakewood Cemetery. Visitation Friday, 4-8 PM, Gill Brothers Southwest Chapel, 5801 Lyndale Ave S. Memorials may be directed to the Struthers Parkinson's Center, 6701 Country Club Dr., Mpls 55427. GILL BROTHERS 612-861-6088