Memorial fund for Pat Thurmond

Patrick Thurmond passed away suddenly on Tuesday afternoon.  It came as an enormous shock to all of his family and friends.

He was my father and my hero. He was always there for me and was fiercely devoted to his family and friends. He did not know the word, "No".  If you needed anything at all, he was the first to offer you his help -- even before you thought to ask for it --  from fixing a car to building a deck, he showed up with the tools for the job ready to go.  If you were in a tough spot, he'd give you the shirt off his back, and then make a joke about it to lighten your mood.  He was the example that I've striven to form my life to.  Now he is gone, all too soon, and it's hard not to feel like the foundation I've built my life upon has been broken.

As his next of kin, it falls to me to make the decisions and preparations.  As I'm still reeling from the news, it has been more than difficult.  But my amazing friends and family have been showing me an outpouring of support that I never expected nor deserve.  From helping me form plans to offering financial help, it is a guiding light that is helping me tremendously through this thick haze.

One of the examples my father instilled in me was to be the first to offer help, and last to accept help.  As such it's incredibly difficult for me to accept offers for financial aid from anyone, though I deeply appreciate it.  I was inclined to refuse all offers of money, but I see now that this will be more than a single person's effort.  As such I am reluctantly opening this GoFundMe to provide a place for friends and family to make their contribution if they feel inclined to do so.  I feel the need to stress that I do not expect money from anyone, and I certainly do not harbor any judgment for those who cannot donate for any reason whatsoever.  All the money received from this GoFundMe will be used toward expenses related to my dad's memorial, such as for travel, funeral home expenses, and the cost of the memorial event itself.  I will be handling the money myself and will make certain it goes to the right places.  If there happens to be any money left over afterward, I will be choosing a charity to donate it to in memory of my dad.

Thank you for reading this, and I apologize for any unnecessary rambling -- I am still quite stunned and dazed. I appreciate any donation you can make, and if you cannot, then know that I am still very deeply appreciative of your thoughts and support in any form.