David Thurston

Im so sorry, I just learned of his passing. I looked him up on FB and noticed it is a memorial page now. It broke my heart to see that. He was my seminary teacher at Hillcrest and was one of THE BEST!! I have a pic with him on the last day of school. My friend and I even wore our moms wedding rings and went and visited him and told him we had gotten engaged shortly after graduating. Trying to trick the trickster! What a fun memory. Im sorry for your loss.

We were stunned to hear that our dear friend had passed away. We have so many fond memories of Bishop Thurston and Colleen in our Riverton ward.
He had such a passion for the youth and spent many an hour pulling them together in friendship and service.
He always had some ridiculous prank waiting to be tried. One such time was when he visited our YW camp. He gave me (Camp Director), permission to lace a "snake" (knotted) rope under his daughter Jill's tent/ sleeping bag. We talked snake sightings all day and by nightfall these girls were zipped TIGHT in their tent....NOTHING WAS GETTING IN!....or out, for that matter.
A young beehive approached the door to "borrow" something from her sister, and immediately yelled SNAAAAAKE!!!!
Upon hearing that, the YW who were lined up behind the tent gave a big pull on the knotted rope. That's all it took for the 3 girls zipped inside the tent to panic and start batting and tearing at the locked up tent. It was just like you'd see in cartoons
It was hysterical...Jillybean was hysterical...her dad was hysterical...though for completely different reasons...and the other girls were hysterical. I seriously thought I was going to die from laughing so hard. Good times!
Dave could always make everyday things fun, crazy spiritual and uplifting all at the same time.
We send our condolences and love to his sweet family, children and grandchildren. He was a good man.

Jill, Jeff, Ryan, Amy, Jon, So sorry to hear of the passing of your father. We have so many great memories of your family in Riverton. We always have thought so much of your Mom and Dad. We pray for the Lord's love and comfort to be with you at this time. Love, The Stepan family.

So sorry to hear of the passing of Dave. I worked with him at Hillcrest Seminary and saw him change the lives of many students who were struggling. He was truly a great man.
Karen Butterfield

Dear Thurston siblings, I am so very sorry for your loss! My family loves your dad, and entire family so much! I remember rolling into Riverton in our moving van, and your Dad and Jeff were instantly at our side, helping us move in. What an incredible example of service. I remember laughing until I cried many times in the Thurston house. Love and prayers to all of you!❤❤

Oh Betty...I am so sorry that you had such a short bit of earthly time with your sweetheart. He sounds like such a wonderful man and he is so lucky to have had you to help him through these past few months. Randy and I have both had you in our thoughts since running into you at Swiss Days. Please know that our prayers are with you through this difficult time!
With much love and admiration,
Charlotte

Dearest Bette, I am so sorry for your loss. I saw your wedding pictures on our forever friends post and you two looked so happy and adorable. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

I am grateful to have know Dave and to have been his Bishop for a little while. He did indeed have a big heart! -Bishop Daren R Rasmussen

Dave was an amazing man. He knew how to really love others. He was loved by so many. He was such a great influence in my life. I loved having conversations with him about life. He was an important part of my life. He spoke at my mission farewell. He came to my wedding. He is and always will be a true friend. He was full of love for others. The best teacher I have ever had. In seminary and in life. He will be missed.