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Zachary Thurston Obituary

THURSTON ZACHARY JOHN THURSTON On May 25, 2008. He was born in Washington, DC on February 12, 1970, completing Edmund Burke High School in 1988. He graduated from Denison College in 1992. Zach earned a chiropractic doctorate in 2002 from New College of the West. His practice was in Corte Madera. He was predeceased by his parents, Ladd and Laura Thurston. He is survived by his brothers, Charles Hulley of Mill Valley, CA, Elliott Thurston of Berkeley, CA and David Thurston of Somerville, MA. In addition, he is remembered fondly by his two nieces and one nephew. Zach was very popular, enjoyed surfing, basketball and tennis. He loved music and film and performed wonderful impersonations. He often had his family in stitches as he told jokes and voiced various accents. He will be sorely missed, but he has surely found the peace which we all eventually seek. We will gather to remember him on Saturday, June 7 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Park Chalet, at the western edge of Golden Gate Park on Ocean Beach.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Jun. 5, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Zachary Thurston

38 Entries

Sheryn Moore

January 10, 2009

My deepest sympathies go to Zach's family. I was saddened and shocked to learn of his passing in the Denison Magazine.

I met Zach during our first semester together at Denison University. He was my study buddy for our French language class. I remember sitting on top of the washers while studying with him in the laundry room.

We never shared another class together, but he was always a warm friend. He was a strong student with a great sense of humor. He always made time for his friends on campus and after graduation.

He was truly a good person who will be sorely missed.

Susan Moore

January 10, 2009

I just learned today of Zach's passing after reading the Denison Alumni Magazine and I'm so shocked and sad. My deepest sympathies to his family. There was only one Zach! He would light up any place on campus and was a fantastic listener. My sister and I got to know him at Denison and kept in touch after we graduated. Despite his busy schedule in SFO, he would make time to meet me for a walk or coffee when I travelled from New Zealand & Australia. I will always appreciate Zach's motivational notes, songs and positivity. His time is too short here, but he is now with the stars. Peace...

Nathan Rein

December 18, 2008

I was an elementary school classmate of Zach's from fifth through eighth grade in Washington, D.C. I am saddened to hear of his death and wish his family and loved ones comfort and strength. I have many vivid and fond memories of the times we sat at adjacent desks in school. I remember him as kind, generous, well-liked, and always funny. Rest in peace, Zach.

Brian Hinck

October 24, 2008

I would like to express my sincerest condolences to all of Zach's family and friends. A group of his Chiropractic school friends will be meeting in Hayward on Saturday October 25th to toast his life. We will be remembering this funny, intelligent, caring man. Among those memories are of New college and seeing the impressed look on the professors face when Zach yelled out "Tesla." (the scientist not the band). Then there were the long study groups in which he always upstaged me with regard to comic relief (he had a perfect impression of professor Hawkins). There was hackey sack sessions in between classes at Life West in which we would proclaim that we were masters of Chai Tea (not tai chi). He was always there for support and encouragement. He will surely be missed. Zach, we love and miss you.

Chas Hulley

October 21, 2008

I wanted to let you know that this Saturday we will be planting a dogwood tree at our high school to honor the memory of Zach. It will be a nice ceremony, with the former head of the school in attendance, as well as local friends and classmates. I sent Bob Broeksmit word as well.

If there are any words you would like me to share with those in attendance, I'd be happy to pass them along.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Stoff Smulson

Sharon Kyne

October 5, 2008

I was roommates with Zach at the Oak Street flat for several years. Zach gave me my first motorcycle ride, got me to my first (of many) massage and my first chiropracter. He was there for me when my father passed away, he was there for me when I broke off a wedding engagement. Other memories- Zach would walk my dog Lucy in the park in order to meet girls, they were always successful. We took scuba diving lessons together, which I flunked at the end and made Zach mad at me. (I decided to go shoe shopping instead of diving in freezing murkey waters of Monterey Bay.) Our biggest argument however, was over a Van Morrison song and a specific line 'just because he didn't call, means he didnt call' or something along the lines of that. Zach clearly identified with the guy's perspective, while I tried to get him to understand what that meant to a woman. Zach was one of my best guy friends ever and even though I haven't seen him in years, I will miss him. God bless him.

To Zach's family, you are all in my prayers.

Laurent Colvin

September 28, 2008

While at Life Chiropractic College West, and even before that at New College of San Francisco, Zach was a good friend. I am sorry that we were not able to stay in touch since we graduated. He will be sorely missed.

Charles Hulley

August 18, 2008

We buried our dear brother's ashes at the Cuttyhunk Cemetery on August 1 at Noon, with a service presided over by Rev. Nick Porter.

Participants in the service were: brothers Charlie, Ell and Dave; niece Genevieve and nephew Thomas; and Sam Goodrich, Shawna Barry and Stoff Smulson. Family and friends joined in by putting hand-fulls of dirt into the grave at the end of the service.

Over 60 people attended the service on a beautiful warm summer day. During the pauses in the speeches, it was easy to hear the ocean surf, and to picture Zach riding the waves as he loved to do. In fact, it was easy to sense Zach's presence on the beach, out in the bull's-eye sloop, on the pathways of the island he loved so much, and in the ocean breeze blowing the trees around.

Thank you to all who attended and to all who sent good vibes our way.

Rest in peace, my brother.

Jonathan Craig

July 30, 2008

I just found this guestbook. I knew Zach from summers on Cuttyhunk growing up as kids together. It is with great sadness, but also very fond memories I write. Zach was a great spirit. Kindness and humor are recurring themes in these notes, and he had no shortage of either. I will always keep his memory with me. Rest in peace, Zach.

Anthony & Jennifer O'Connell

July 20, 2008

Zach was a great man and friend of our family. He was full of energy and passion and he was contagious with his energy and passion. We love him and miss him...

Z Smile

July 8, 2008

Larry Hagstrom

July 3, 2008

So much loss so close together. I feel horrible for the brothers and you have my deepest sympathies. The Thurston family could use a break! I love you guys and support you through this difficult time. In the end it is only family and love that is left.

Jim Todd

July 3, 2008

Kalil Gibran remind us that often, in our deepest sorrows, glimpses of our greatest joys arise and help us on the journey through the shadows of the valley of death. On Sunday, June 29th the faith communities on Cuttyhunk Island, Massachusetts, prayerfully remembered Zack and his family and lit candles of sadness and joy. May the arrival of joyful memories bring you comfort and respite in the weeks and months ahead. Rev. Jim & Mary Todd

Stephanie Hagstrom

July 2, 2008

My hope is that my sweet, handsome, loving cousin is no longer in pain and is at peace. I did not see Zach often, but when we saw each other it was always as if there had been no time lost. He had the sweetest soul and was a great hugger. My last visit with Zach was a year ago and he was in great spirits. We laughed together about things we had done in the past. I miss him and the thought of not seeing him again saddens me.

Leyla Day

July 1, 2008

I will remember Zach with laughter as I picture our boisterous tennis games followed by beer on the porch. In my mind he will always be laughing, smiling and relaxed, a friend to everyone he met.

Charles Hulley

July 1, 2008

Golden lad Zach was remembered by friends and family on
> Saturday, June 7. We had
> over 70 people at a reception at the Park Chalet restaurant
> on the beach in
> San Francisco. Charlie, Elliott and David talked about
> Zach's life, and
> then his friends spoke about the ways Zach had impacted
> their lives; there
> was a cross-section from hotel workers to chiropractors and
> also school
> chums and child-hood best friends. There were cousins from
> Seattle and
> Washington DC, and friends from as far as New York.
>
>
> We had a Zach shrine with pictures, diplomas, degrees,
> etc,, and a running
> slide-show on Thomas Hulley's laptop showing pictures
> scanned from Zach's
> life starting age 3 and up. Our guests enjoyed wine, beer,
> soft drinks and
> appetizers in a private room of the Park Chalet.
>
>
> At 5 pm, we walked across the street to the beach and flew
> a kite with a
> tail containing messages for Zach. Occasionally one
> message would fly away
> on the wind, heading for Zach up in heaven. We were
> accompanied by Scott
> Macleod on bag-pipes (very beautiful and haunting sound of
> Amazing Grace
> playing near the surf's roar).
>
>
> After that, we headed to Solstice Restaurant for dinner and
> made a night of
> it.

Judith Archer

July 1, 2008

Zach--Thanks for that great smile--the one you had since you were just a kid--broad and sincere. I'll remember you that way...and, oh yeah!...your initials are still in concrete on The Allen House pillar!! So you'll always be at Cuttyhunk! Love, Judith Archer

John Wells

June 30, 2008

Zach threw a Christmas party last December at which I had the pleasure of meeting at least two of the brothers. What a happy gathering! Last evening I finally found a bit of peace of mind regarding Zach's untimely departure, resolving to remember and appreciate the gifts Zach left behind rather than dwell on the loss. I do sincerely wish every friend and family member to find some sense of peace as well.

Deborah Middleton

June 30, 2008

As one of Zach's older cousins, he was a baby when I was in my early 20's, and I watched him grow up each summer on Cuttyhunk. Then there was a gap when we didn't overlap, and all I heard were stories of his life and all he was doing. Two years ago, I had the pleasure of overlapping and in fact sharing their house on Cuttyhunk with he and Dave for a priceless 10 days. It was a house full of cousins who loved each other dearly. We went sailing, we went fishing, we went to the beach, we had wonderful dinners together and with others, and we talked late into the night. It was a precious time and such a gift to really understand who Zach was and his struggles. He was a wonderful, sensitive, and very funny person who really sought to see the best in everyone, and he will be sorely missed. God speed, Zach. Your pain is gone now, and may you float forever in love.

Rebecca Scott

June 30, 2008

As the oldest-but-one of the cousins on the "Aunt Hill" at Cuttyhunk, I mostly remembered Zach as a toddler and preschooler--full of mischief. My kids, however, who are much closer to his age, remember him as the "cool cousin"--out sailing and doing daring teenage things. It was a blessing to get to meet him again last year after all these years and see the wonderful man he had become. We will all miss him.

June 25, 2008

Zach and nieces

June 23, 2008

Zach and nieces

June 23, 2008

Graduation

June 20, 2008

NYC 1986

June 20, 2008

Zach at Cuttyhunk

June 20, 2008

Zach and Dad

June 20, 2008

Zach and award

June 19, 2008

Charlie Hulley

June 19, 2008

Fear no more the heat o' the sun,
Nor the furious winter's rages;
Thou thy worldly task hast done,
Home art gone and ta'en thy wages;
Golden lads and girls all must,
As chimney-sweepers, come to dust.

Dionne Woods

June 12, 2008

I knew Zach for many years and I have many fond memories of him. I will always remember Zach as kind, funny and always willing to see the good in others. I will miss him dearly.

Marcy Stevenson

June 12, 2008

I knew Zach for a brief time and in that brief time, I grew to love him as as a friend. The author of the poem below is unknown and I have adapted it to express my deepest condolences to Zach's family; I hope it brings them comfort as well as to his friends.

-Zachary Visit-

Zachary visits often
feet in cloud moccasins
Dancing on the wind
His songs in the trees
His love is in the air we breathe
He runs with the wolves
He flys with the eagles
He is part of our lives, everyday
That is why I thank the Creator
for all things surrounding me
They are Zachary
who has been set free

Ryan Dooley

June 9, 2008

Though we shared a great many laughs together, Zach was also a humble listener when times were critical. I will miss him very much.

mary day fitzgibbon

June 9, 2008

Although Zach and I both grew up in DC, we really knew eachother from Cuttyhunk. Every summer we would spend a few weeks together and sail, play tennis and get in trouble! We were usually tennis partners and always seemed to beat the older players, (you know who you are!) We overlapped last summer and had some great laughs together around the diningroom table.
I will miss him and hope that he is at peace with himself.

EJ Varela

June 8, 2008

I remember Zach as a Great person, caring team member, responsible employee, fast pace and self-motivated individual. An amazing person that touched the lifes of many while hiding his own. He took the best out of each one of us in good and bad times... I will miss the basketbal conversations and pickup games...and the bad knees! Hope you are in a better place now! Take care...

June 7, 2008

Zach was a classmate and close friend of my son's since their childhood in DC. I knew him as a boy and as a young man and liked him enormously. He was a funny, warm, and altogether delightful person and I am deeply saddened by his untimely death. May the Lord put his arms around Zach to welcome him and provide comfort to his family and those who loved him for their terrible loss.

Amy Reichek

June 6, 2008

I worked with Zach for many many years at the Nikko Hotel. My deepest condolences to his family.
He is in my thoughts. Zach will be very missed.

david pierce

June 6, 2008

Zach was a friend of mine going back to the early '90s. We met at the Nikko Hotel and later worked together at the Bohemian Grove and for various catering companies. He used to come over to my local playground, Grattan, and play basketball with us. I have a ton of great memories of him. I will miss him. My condolences to his family...

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