Terry Thurston

Terry Layne Thurston, age 73 passed away peacefully at his home hand in hand with his
youngest son Todd and surrounded by his loved ones on April 9, 2013.
Terry was born in Logan, Utah on March 22, 1940, the third child and second son of
Oliver (Ollie) Follett Thurston & Wilda Harris Thurston.
Terry grew up in Hyde Park, UT, a place he dearly loved. He attended Hyde Park
Elementary, Smithfield Jr. High and graduated from North Cache High in 1958. He went
on to attend Utah State University where he studied engineering.
Terry was a member of the Service Battery 145 Artillery in Smithfield and was active
duty in Fort Ord, CA. for six months. He served in the National Guard for 5 ½ years and
was a Sergeant 1st Class.
Terry loved the outdoors. He was a member of the National Ski Patrol where he met and
made many dear friends. He was an avid horseman and farmer. He was well known for
his Belgian/Shires and Tennessee Walkers. He participated in countless parades
throughout Utah and the Days of 47 Parades in Salt Lake City with his 4-horse hitch. He
led the Utah Centennial Wagon Train from Logan, UT to Cedar City, UT with Eli
Anderson in 1996. He also participated in the Wagon Trek from Omaha, NE to Salt Lake
City, UT. He spent time training with the Dick Sparrow and the legendary Coors Hitch.
The driving school held a very special place in his heart. He provided many people with
wedding and funeral horse drawn carriages throughout the years.
Terry owned and operated Terry L. Thurston Construction Company aka "Terry Tech".
and Thurston Transportation. He had countless great employees who became family to
him. He taught from the "Book of Terry" and no job was ever impossible to him and he
loved a challenge. He is known throughout the Intermountain West for his ability to "get
the job done!"
Terry is survived by his son Todd (Rynde) Thurston and grandsons Oliver and Hayden
Thurston whom he is very proud of and by his special friend and companion Raedel
Gibbons who tenderly cared for Terry during his most difficult times. Two sisters Gloria
(Don) Earl and Shirlene (Roland) Davies. Several nieces and nephews and close friends
who were family to him. He was proceeded in death by his parents and older brother and
sister-in-law Lamar & Bonnie Thurston.
His last wagon ride and graveside services will take place on Friday, April 12, 2013 at
11 :00 am at the Hyde Park City Cemetery located at 400 East Center Street, Hyde Park,
UT.
"Big T" wanted everyone to know that the things he was able to accomplish were
because of good help and good luck! Here we go! Happy Trails! T.L.T.