Thor David Hesla

I worked with Thor many moons ago on the Clinton Inaugural and have never forgotten him. He was one of a kind.. a guy that gave everything he had every day. You always knew where you stood with him. He just came to my mind today and I wanted to somehow say he is part of my history and not forgotten. 2/2/18

I was a guest yesterday here in DC at one of the most passionate and moving memorial services for my lost friend Thor. It was an event that rivaled any Presidential trip we had ever done. Thor left an impression on everyone he met. I miss him greatly and will always keep his memory alive. Your a good man Thor Hesla.

David Hesla was my teacher -- a great one -- in 1962-63 at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. As a Foreign Service Officer, I am particularly touched by Thor's service and sacrifice. Professor Hesla and the rest of the family, please accept my sincere condolences.

Craig Kuehl
Cornell College '66

Although it has been many years since I last saw Thor, I recall the Thunder God very fondly as an Emory and Atlanta Renegades Rugby player. His mischievous smile and positive attitude will be long remembered.

I share the sorrow of Thor's family as I shared in his father's frequent prayers for his safety, and I thank God for his courage, his good works and his deep concern.

I knew Thor at Emory. He played rugby and I had a big crush on him. He was a really good guy. I saw him a few years after college when he was in DC and he was so enthusiastic about the world of politics! He was a joy to know.

I remember a number of wonderful things about Thor Hesla when he was a student at Briarcliff High, but one stands out in my mind. Twelve to fifteen students and I were returning from an intensely interesting, but exhausting week in Washington, D.C. with the Close-Up Program. We were at the airport at 2:00 a.m. and were told that our flight was delayed. As everyone else seemed ready to slip into depression, Thor sprung into action. He took various objects from a friend’s purse and started making up alternative uses for these items. Soon everyone forgot our present trouble and joined him in this game. I remember thinking – Thor has a wonderful gift to share with the world and from reading his obituary – I think I was right. We’ll miss you, Thor.
Gerald Jabaley
Teacher, Briarcliff High School (1969-1985)