Ronald Lee Thurber died on Thursday, November 1, 2007 at Innovis Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota. Ron was born on July 9, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was the son of Betty (Wheeler) and Harvey Thurber. Ron served 10 years in the United States Army and had been stationed in Germany.

Ron moved to Thief River Falls in 2005 to participate in the chemical dependency treatment program at Northwest Recovery Center. At that time Ron was very ill, and had been given six months to live. There were many wonderful and amazing changes that occurred for Ron after arriving in Thief River Falls. He began attending River of Life Church and shortly after dedicated his life to the Lord. Ron made many friends from recovery, church and the community. He became stronger in his faith and his recovery and as a result was given a position as house manager at Northwest Recovery Center after completing treatment. He later moved into his own apartment and lived independently in the community. Ron was water baptized the summer of 2006. Those who witnessed his recovery considered him a walking miracle and that he truly was a new creation in Christ.
Ron was a founding member and continued to a vital part of the Life Recovery Group at River of Life Church. He was also one of the greeters for Sunday services where he shined both inwardly and outwardly. He was kind and generous, and always willing to help when needed.

Ron had a passion for people, animals and the outdoors. Ron had a love for the water. Fishing was his favorite hobby and one of his fondest memories from childhood.

Ron maintained a humble spirit and a warm, generous heart. The love that he showed for others was genuine and he expected nothing in return. His heart was intricately knit to his daughter Summer. She was the joy and pride of his life, and he beamed when he spoke of her.

His survivors include his wife, Lisa Thurber, daughter Summer Graff, step-daughter Bobbi Erdman, and Melissa Thurber his daughter from a previous marriage.