Waterbury Center, VT Sidney F. Thurston, died on Friday, February 22, 2013 at the Fletcher Allen Medical Center in Burlington, VT. He was born on June 20, 1931 in Stowe, VT, the son of James and Pearl (Durett) Thurston. He attended Waterbury High School. On September 22, 1951 he married Dolores Hickory at the Waterbury Center Community Church. He began his career as a painting contractor in 1955 and he then began the Thurston Paint and Wallpaper Store in 1969. He later transitioned into selling carpet and flooring, changing the name to Thurston Floor Covering and Window Treatment Store. As a hobby, he also ran the Center Fire Sales out of his garage, where he would sell firefighting supplies to local firefighters. In 1958, he and several other community members began the Waterbury Center Fire Department. He served as the Fire Chief since its inception until stepping down in 1991. He continued to serve as a firefighter until retiring from the fire service in 1995. He held many offices with regional, state, and local firefighting association. He was past president of the New England Fire Chief's Association, Vermont Fire Chief's Association, and Capital West Mutual Aid. As an outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends. He enjoyed snowmobiling, throwing horse shoes, and spending time at his camp on Holland Pond. Survivors include his wife, Dolores Thurston of Waterbury Center; sons, Gary and his wife Sharon and their children, Michelle and Molly of Waterbury Center; Tyler and his wife Lori and their children Autumn, Brandi, and Dallas of Alabama; Kurt and his children, Eythan and Issac of Waterbury Center; and Kelley and his daughter, Lyndsey of Colorado; Sisters, Virginia Fraties and her husband Bill, of Colchester; and Brenda Viens and her husband, Armand of N. Fayston; and many great grandchildren. He is also survived by Aunts and Uncles; Mrs. Donald (Elosie) Thurston of Waterbury Center; Robert and Maydene Kellett of Waterbury Center; Harriet Durett of Stowe; and Lester and Marge Durett of Colchester, VT. At his request there will be no calling hours or funeral services. Memorial contributions may be made to the Waterbury Ambulance Service, 1727 Guptil Road, Waterbury, VT 05677.