Obituary

Brent Fenton Thurston, 52, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at home due to a long illness on January 13, 2011, surrounded by his loving family.

Brent entered the world on April 2, 1958, the second of five children born to Verland Thurston and Dorothy Frehner in Las Vegas, NV. Brent was always bright, athletic, and fun with a quiet sense of humor. He attended Rancho High School in Las Vegas, NV, where he enjoyed playing soccer. He loved his family, and was taught to love the Lord. He dedicated two years of his life to a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served faithfully in the Montana, Billings Mission. He continued to serve in the church throughout his life.

Following his mission, Brent attended Rick’s College where he met and fell in love with his lifetime sweetheart and beautiful wife, Laurie Anne Daw. They were married June 6, 1980 in the Idaho Falls, Idaho Temple. Together they raised four children. Brent was an exceptional father; he dedicated a great deal of his time to his children, and we never once doubted his love and unfailing support. He knew exactly how to make each one of his children and grandchildren feel special, and we always knew that his children and grandchildren were his pride and joy.

Athleticism was a special gift of Brent’s. He was a talented softball player and enjoyed playing for many years. Brent was also passionate about coaching sports. He put his heart and soul into coaching and was an extraordinary influence on the youth that he coached. Brent finished his Bachelor’s degree in education, and went on to earn his Master’s of Education. Brent held the role of athletic director at the Virgin Valley High School for several years, and dedicated 17 years to teaching.

Brent was also passionate about the outdoors, and he loved hunting, camping and fishing with his family and friends.

Blessed with a great sense of humor, Brent was easy to know and love. There wasn’t a mean bone in his body; he led with respect and love and soft-spoken words. He was a kind son and loving brother. Brent was always a good and loyal friend, a stalwart and wise example in the community, and beloved by all. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Verland Leslie Thurston, his father-in-law Gary Steven Daw, as well as other extended family members. He is survived by his beloved wife Laurie; his children Jennifer (Gerald) Reynolds, Melissa (J.D.) Frisby, Tyler (Taylor) Thurston, and Brittany (Todd) Hartley; and his grandchildren Wyatt, Katelee, and Madison. He is also survived by his mother, Dorothy Dawn (Frehner) Thurston, and his siblings Brad (Alice) Thurston, Duane (Kimberly) Thurston, Darla (Scott) St. Clair, and Dorea (John) Rogers.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 17 at the Mesquite, NV stake center. A viewing will be held on Sunday, January 16 from 6 – 8 p.m. and on Monday, January 17 at 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. at the Mesquite, NV stake center. Interment Mesquite Cemetery under the direction of Virgin Valley Mortuary, 702-346-6060.