Obituary - Wayne Lovejoy Thurston

Wayne Lovejoy Thurston, born October 18, 1924, in Unity, Maine to Frederick and Marion Thurston, passed away June 30, 2017, of natural causes.

This man of many talents — poet, author, photographer, educator, electronics expert and businessman — lived an interesting life. He was always an inquisitive learner, continuing to take courses and building electronics into his 90s. He could often be found at his ham radio station sending and receiving messages throughout the world … CQ CQ FROM AB70.

In 1944-45, he served as a radio operator for the U.S.

Army Air Corps in the Pacific Theater. While there, he developed a strong faith that led him to serve as a

lay minister for Methodist and Congregational churches in Maine. He was also a teacher of math, chemistry and physics in Maine, Illinois, Montana and New Hampshire. In 1955 he made the trip to Montana and became the superintendent of Winnett (1955-1957) and Box Elder (1957-1961) schools. He was proud of convincing the school board to build the elementary school in Box Elder.

Wayne served as a part-time Civil Defense Director for Hill County in 1962-66. His life changed paths when he moved to Havre, Montana, to open Havre Cycle with his wife, Mary. This business was one of the first to sell Honda motorcycles and later Toyota cars in the state. Many Havre youth remember racing slot cars on the track he opened during the winter.

Wayne had an interesting personal life. He married Mary Putnam in June of 1950. This marriage, lasting 19 years, was blessed with five children: Vance, Vicky, Sean, Vaughn and Valerie.

He then went to Missoula, Montana, and met Dorothy Schooley. They married in 1970, and lived in Concord, New Hampshire, from 1971-74. Two children were born into this union, Rudd and Earl.

In 1975, he settled back in Havre, Montana. In 1977, he married Doris P. Roberts, his companion and loving wife until the very end. He operated a photography studio with Doris and worked for BN for a while. He also taught math part-time at NMC. Wayne shared his love of ham radio with many in the community, teaching code and as an examiner. He loved his cats. Watching their antics provided him with many hours of amusement and much comfort.

He was preceded in death by his son Rudd Thurston; his great-grandson John Boss; his parents, Frederick and Marion Thurston; and all his siblings.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Doris P. Roberts of Havre; his six children Vance (Mary Kay) Thurston of Bozeman, Vicky (Jeff) Michels of Box Elder, Sean (Rica Salvador) Thurston of Palm Springs, Florida, Vaughn Thurston of Great Falls, Valerie (George) Callahan of Bozeman, and Earl (Ginger) Thurston of Hot Springs, Arkansas; his 13 grandchildren; his 20 great-grandchildren; his 13 cats; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2017, at Holland & Bonine Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Highland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Wayne’s family has suggested donations to PAWS Shelter, PO Box 132, Chinook, MT 59523, the Havre-Hill County Library, 402 Third Street, Havre, MT 59501, or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.

Please visit Wayne’s online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for his family at http://www.hollandbonine.com.