Obituary: Henry W. Thurston IV

August 20, 1960 – July 30, 2024

Henry Thurston, better known as “Hank” by his friends and “Loon” by his children, has passed to the better side. Hank was born in Denver and grew up in a cabin in the woods east of Aspen with no running water and no heat. He joined Aspen Junior Hockey when Mr. McBride started the program in 1972. Hank recalls the allure of learning ice hockey, the hot showers at the rink. In his youth Hank developed his passions for skiing and playing hockey. After he graduated from AHS in 1978 he stuck around town completing a ‘gap year’ while he dated his high school sweetheart, Lisa Timroth. Hank and Lisa then attended Fort Lewis College. In Durango Hank found another life love, windsurfing. His college buddies, Scott Shoemaker and Matt Schweitzer, introduced him to the wind and water. After college Hank and Lisa married on October 4, 1986.
They had two children, Whitney and Owen, which Hank called his pride and joy. In 1995, the family of 4, moved to the cabin that Hank grew up in. While Whitney and Owen were growing up Hank coached their hockey teams. Lots of Whitney and Owen’s friends have special memories of him. Finally, Hank and Lisa moved to Glenwood in 2019 where he slowed down. He enjoyed floating the river, biking, camping in his RV, and relaxing in his hot tub (thanks C.V.O.!).
Papa Loon was an influential father figure to the younger generations. He found a new role as a dad again with his son-in-law, Shaun, and daughter-in-law, Emma. He was especially loved by his nieces and nephews, Emily, Chase, Katelyn and Ava. In April this year Papa Loon became Grandpa Loon to a boy named Everett.
Hank lived a rich life. He was more of a guy who would say “why not” instead of asking “why.” He took chances, told stories, and lived well. In his adult life Hank skied all over the world, built a house in Hood River, bought a Porsche, windsurfed and skied fast. He was a winner and a rock star.
Hank is known as a legend in his community and by those that knew him. Although Hank will be deeply missed by his friends and family he will live on in our memories. In cards that he wrote to his children he scribed “I love you to the moon.” So, when you see that moon shining bright say hi to Hank and tell him how much you love him back.