Richard "Dick" Fountain Thurston

Richard “Dick” Fountain Thurston passed away peacefully at his home in San Jose, Costa Rica on April 25, 2013 after battling lung cancer. He was born on April 1, 1945 to Susan Rankin Fountain Thurston and the late Dr. Thomas Gardiner Thurston II. He graduated from Boyden High School in 1963 and Davidson College in 1967 with an AB degree. After graduating from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1970, he became an assistant solicitor in Salisbury and Durham. He also practiced law with Graham Carlton and Gary Rhodes in the 1970’s. After moving to Denver, Colorado, he received a Master in Tax Law from the University of Denver in 1977 and began his private practice manily focused on income tax evasion. Dick maintained a successful practice until retiring in 1999 and then decided to move to Prague, Czech Republic for 6 months before finally settling in Costa Rica in 2000. Dick was a frequent world traveler but always looked forward to coming home to visit family and friends. He was always available when his family needed him. He had a zeal for life unmatched by many and even maintained his great sense of humor until the very end. During his last few visits with friends and family he made notable mention about how satisfied and content he was with how he lived his life and never regretted any of his decisions. He will be sorely missed by all of those whom he knew. He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Thomas G. Thurston II. He is survived by his mother Susan Rankin Foutain Thurston; his brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Tom and Anne Thurston; his sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Joe Sember; his nephews, Gardiner Thurston and Harrison Thurston and his wife, Tatyana Thurston; his niece, Anna Jenkins; and his great nieces. In addition, he is survived by his loyal companion of 13 years, Rafa Valverde of Costa Rica. A Catholic service was held in Costa Rica at the Valverde neighborhood church on Friday, April 26. A memorial service and celebration of Dick’s life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Salisbury on Thursday, May 2, at 11:00 AM. We want to thank the doctors and staff of Alamance Regional Hospital, doctors and staff at Rowan Regional Hospital, and doctors in San Jose, Costa Rica. In addition, we also want to extend a special thank you to the Valverde family in San Jose for all they did for Dick. Contributions can be made to Teens with a Mission at First Presbyterian Church, Salisbury, NC or Rowan Regional Hospital or a charity of your choice. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Thurston family and online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Richard "Dick" Fountain Thurston

April 1, 1945 - April 25, 2013