Ian Mathew Thurman, loved animals, nature
Ian Mathew Thurman, 34, passed away Friday, May 4, 2018, at his home in Milton. Ian was born at Kent General Hospital in Dover, April 17, 1984. He is the beloved son of Suzanne Elizabeth Pride Thurman and Christopher Stewart Thurman.
Ian was a lifelong Delawarean, with the exception of a few short years when his family lived in Massachusetts and New York. Ian graduated from Cape Henlopen High School in 2002, during which time he participated in the Army JROTC program, earning numerous medals and honors.
Ian worked for Lynam Beach Services during his high school years, and later moved into cooking for several local area restaurants, as well as the Causeway Gourmet in North Carolina. He was also a talented carpenter, a trade he learned from his father. Ian worked most recently alongside his father for TTS Design and Contracting.
Ian had a lifelong love of animals and nature, and acquired a vast knowledge about the animals and plants that he would find during his explorations of the creeks, streams and bays of coastal Delaware on his searches for the best fishing spots. He was the quintessential beach boy, spending many happy summers with his mother and sister at the beach in Cape Henlopen State Park, where he became a skilled body boarder and surfer. His favorite activity by far was fishing with his dad, and Ian continued to be an avid fisherman throughout his life.
Ian will be lovingly remembered by his family, friends and loved ones for his big heart, his loyalty, his willingness to help others, and his great sense of humor. He is so dearly missed by his parents and his sister, Carly Elizabethanne Thurman; his paternal grandmother, Charlotte Joan (Jonny) Thurman; and his girlfriend Amber Smith and their little girl Sophia, who was the light and joy of his heart; and his aunts, uncles and cousins, and his many friends. Ian was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Kay Lee Thurman, and his maternal grandparents Michael C. and Marjorie M. Haseldine.
A private celebration of Ian's life will be held Sunday, June 3 at Broadkill Beach, where he spent his happiest moments fishing.
Memorial donations may be made to the Sophia Mockewich College Fund, C/O: Citizens Bank, Attn: Tina Thurman, 131 Second St., Lewes, DE 19958.
