Bryan Kale Thurman

Bryan Kale Thurman was born April 18, 1963 in Fresno, California.  In 1966 his family moved to Milpitas, CA, where he attended high school. In 1980 his family moved to Coquille, OR where he attended Southwestern Oregon Community College.  In 1981 he started his family and worked in construction with his Uncle, Paul (Hap) Thurman.

His Grandfather, Rupert “Lefty” Wright encouraged him to weld for PG&E.  He mastered the skill of welding and worked there for 27 years.  He had a titanium shoulder replacement and moved back to Coquille, OR again, attending SWOCC.  He began teaching a fabrication class for Tony LaPlante in the welding department and earned his teaching certificate, later taking over the welding instruction position when Tony retired.

Bryan enjoyed teaching welding and pipe fitting for 5 years at SWOCC. He retired his position October 1, 2018 because of escalating medical issues.

Bryan had a stroke October 14th and passed the next day.  He is survived by his 3 daughters, Brandy, Sherry, and Codey Thurman, all from Stockton, CA. two grandchildren, Bradley Kelyn Thurman-Swanson and Brielle Kristina Thompson, Stockton, CA, Aunts and Uncles in Oregon, California and Arizona and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. His grandmother Marge Herbert lives in Coquille, OR.

Preceding him in death were his beloved grandparents Georgia Mae, Fred Thurman, Zona Wright, and of course his mentor Papa “Lefty” Wright. Also, his nephew T.J Lester.

There are no words to describe how much his family will miss him, his humor, his wit, sarcasm and all his traits...He leaves his father and mother, Joe and Barbara Thurman, Coquille OR; sisters Carrie, WA; Lori, Forest Grove, OR; Jodi, McMinnville, OR and brothers; Jeff and Michael, Coquille, OR. 

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