Richard Lee Thurlow

Richard Lee Thurlow passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 2nd, 2025 in Palo Alto. He was born April 9, 1948, the first son of Marion and Ernest Lee Thurlow, in Saginaw, Michigan. He is survived by his two children, Kelly and Spencer.
The Thurlow family relocated to the Bay Area in the 1960s, where Richard graduated from Mills High School in 1967. He went on to earn an English degree from CSU Stanislaus. After graduation, Richard spent five years teaching English and Drama in Tahoe, a place where his love for nature and adventure flourished. He was an avid skier, hiker, and Tahoe was where he discovered his lifelong career as a general contractor. When he wasn't teaching he spent weekends with his dad and his brother learning the ropes of construction and home flipping, ultimately finding his passion in the process.
In 1984, Richard relocated from Tahoe to Portola Valley, where he would live for the remainder of his life. In 1985, he married Linda Bohart, and together they had two children-Spencer in 1989 and Kelly in 1992. In 1992, Richard undertook a full remodel of their Portola Valley home, transforming it into a beautiful space for raising his family. He was a deeply devoted father and played an active role in his children's sports and education. Professionally he continued to remodel and sell homes in the Bay Area until he retired in 2009. After retiring, Richard enjoyed tennis, golfing, sailing, skiing, and attending musicals. He also cherished spending quality time with his children.
In 2023, Richard was diagnosed with Parkinson's and Vascular Dementia, but these challenges never took away his sense of humor or his positive outlook. During a visit, when his daughter asked if he was hungry, he responded with a classic, "Is the pope Catholic?" Richard will be remembered for his endless dad jokes, his adventurous spirit, his deep love for animals, and, most of all, his unwavering devotion to his children.
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