David Grant Thurgood

To our dear friends and family,
Our beloved father, David Grant Thurgood, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of September 27, 2025, at the age of 87. Born July 25, 1938, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Dave lived a long, full, and meaningful life.
A talented athlete at East High School, Dave excelled in many sports, but his greatest passion was skiing. He turned that love into a lifelong calling as a ski instructor, teaching thousands to embrace the sport he cherished. His dedication and years of instruction earned him recognition at the U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame & Museum in Utah.
Dave attended the University of Utah, where he studied accounting, and throughout his career he held various positions in Utah and Montana. He later worked in collections for American Express, where he finished his professional career before retiring. Even in retirement, Dave continued to share his love for skiing until a broken leg slowed him down and gently closed that chapter of his life.
He also proudly served his country in the United States Army, receiving an Honorable Discharge on March 31, 1964.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Grant Thurgood and Ethel Alder Thurgood, and his sister, Anne Thurgood Castleton, who passed less than a month before him. He is survived by his sister Janet Thurgood, and his children Michael Thurgood, Tracie Thurgood, and Gregory Thurgood, along with their families.
A small family graveside service will be held on Monday, October 13, to celebrate his life. In honor of his lifelong love of skiing, donations may be made to the Alf Engen Museum Foundation.