Dennis F. Thurston

DENNIS F THURSTON

Dennis F Thurston, 79, passed away on Sunday, January 30, 2022 at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, MT.

Dennis was born on March 16, 1942 in Hollywood, CA to Leonard Wayne Thurston & Hellen Ardella Forsberg Thurston.

Shortly after WWII started, Wayne & Hellen felt he would be safer in Utah so he was sent to Ogden, UT at a young age to live with his grandparents, Fred Forsberg and Delone Forsberg. His constant companion and babysitter was "Ping", a black Chow dog. In March 1946, he was reunited with his mom and dad in Ogden, UT. He thrived under the loving guidance of parents, grandparents, and a large extended family.

Dennis attended Ben Lomond High School in Ogden, graduating on May 24, 1960. Dennis joined the United States Marine Corp on December 16, 1960. He fell in love with the Marine Corp, flying, and F-4's. Dennis was an Aviation Electronic Operator and "RIO", (radio intercept operator). He was stationed at Natsuki Air Base in Japan and Cherry Point, NC. His flights took him across the US, to Spain, and Riyadh Air Force Base in Saudi Arabia. He had fond memories of aircraft carrier landings and refueling midair at various locations. In 1964, the engine caught fire in the plane he was in, and he was ejected into the Atlantic Ocean. Dennis was severely injured and airlifted by a helicopter to Cherry Point/Camp Lejeune, NC for repair and rehabilitation recovery. Sadly, he was not cleared for flying again. Lance Corporal Dennis F Thurston was honorably discharged from the Marines on December 27, 1966. Dennis still loved the Marines, SEMPER FI.

Dennis returned to Ogden, UT after discharge. His employment include IRS and Hill Air Force Base where he repaired damaged aircraft involved with the Vietnam War. He also attended some school at Weber State.

On August 7, 1965 Dennis married Sharon McPhee in Ogden, UT. He adopted Sharon's children, Robert and Robin (birthdate May 4, 1963) in 1965. Daughter Patricia was born on June 13, 1966 in Ogden, UT and daughter Teresa was born October 27, 1967 in Ogden, UT. The family moved to California in 1969 where Dennis worked for Hughes Aircraft Company as an Accounting Assistant. In 1973, the family moved to Helena, MT. Dennis was a Securities Accountant for the Montana State Treasurer's office and also was an Accounting and Fiscal Manger for the Montana Department of Health & Environmental Sciences. Family life involved hunting, fishing, baseball, golf and a variety of other activities. Dennis was a Charter Member of the Lion's Club of Helena, MT (Gold Rush Chapter). In 1985 Sharon and Dennis were divorced.

In 1986, Dennis relocated to Seattle, WA and started his accounting career with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Dennis met Jan Saeman at the Health Department in Montana and they were married on June 17, 1989 in Silverdale, WA. He became the step-father of Katherine Saeman and James Saeman. Family life included Boy Scouts, soccer, fishing and boating. Jan and Dennis joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary and did safety inspection/patrols in the Puget Sound area. In 2007, Dennis retired from EPA, Region X as comptroller.

In 2017, Jan and Dennis moved back to Montana. They settled in Hamilton, MT in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley. Both enjoyed the outdoors, yard work, fishing and Mother Nature. Dennis loved the variety of wildlife seen from their house- elk, deer, owls, foxes, geese, ducks and, quail. They were members of the Bremerton and Hamilton Elks. Friends and family were always welcome in their home.

Dennis is survived by his wife (Jan) and children Rob Thurston(Jennifer) of South Boston, Massachusetts, Robin Ross(Kevin) of Dimondale, Michigan, Patricia Pintarich (John) of Plantsville, Connecticut, Teresa Thurston of Rolesville, North Carolina, step-daughter Katherine (Mike) Walter of White Sulphur Springs, MT, and step-son James Saeman (Jennifer) of Frederick, Colorado. He is also survived by his sister Candy Crawford (Chuck) of Rigby, Idaho. He is also survived by grandchildren Zachary Ross, Shelby (Seth) Conrad, Emily (Angelo) Troiano, Billy (Alicyn) Pintarich, Elizabeth Thurston, Olivia Thurston, Allison Thurston, Brandi Mires, Joshua Saeman, Claire Saeman, Lester Walter, Ella Walter, and Will Walter. There are four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard Wayne Thurston and Hellen Ardella Thurston.

Memorial service is scheduled on 3/14/22 at 12 noon at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Hamilton, Mt. Internment services are scheduled on 3/16/22 at 12 noon Fort Harrison Veterans Cemetery, Helena, MT. There will be a social gathering after each service.

The family requests donation be made to the Marine Corp League Foundation (www.mclfountation.org) in memory of Dennis Thurston.