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Brian Thurn
BRIAN LAWRENCE THURN
Cedar Rapids
Brian Lawrence Thurn, 55, "the KCPicker" art and antique dealer, beloved husband and father, and devoted supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, died on Sept. 28, 2016, in Kansas City, Mo.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Vickery Thurn; and three children, Hunter James, Kate Ayn and Walden Alexander.
Brian was born March 18, 1961, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Lawrence and Norma (Olson) Thurn, and has five sisters, April (Erik) Hierholzer (Brookeville, Md.), Judie Thurn (Grand Rapids, Mich.), Sandra Drage (Loveland, Colo.), Bettie (Jeff) Siggins (Atlantic, Iowa) and Sharon Mack (Cedar Rapids).
Brian graduated from Cedar Rapids Washington High School and the University of Iowa, with a B.A. in English and earned his master's of valuation science from Lindenwood College. He was self-employed and excelled at auctioneering and earned high customer satisfaction ratings, including an eBay Gold Star with over 13,000 positive feedbacks. The Brian Thurn Collection at the UMKC Libraries is an extensive collection of photographs and posters he submitted in 2006 that relate to African-American culture during the 20th century with particular emphasis on Kansas City. The collection can be viewed at library.umkc.edu/spec-col-collections/thurn.
In addition to his profession, Brian was active in BSA Troop 46, where both sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, Mayfair Homes Association, Center School District PTA and Booster Club, and he was the consummate kid wrangler.
Brian adored his family and friends. All will miss our gregarious, full of spirit and bigger-than-life Brian.
A celebration of Brian's life will be held Wednesday, Oct. 5, at St. Peter & All Saints Episcopal Church, 100 E. Red Bridge Rd., Kansas City, MO 64114. Guests are encouraged to dress in "Brian fashion" for the 4 p.m. visitation and 5:30 p.m. service.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be directed to the family at www.thurnmemorial.mydagsite.com or to Boy Scout Troop 46, in care of St. Peter & All Saints Episcopal Church.
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