George Butte Thurston

8 October 1924 – 19 January 2013

George Thurston passed peacefully away at his home in Westlake Hills on January 19th at the age of 88. Born in Austin, he spent much of his childhood here and in Houston, as well as extended periods on his grandfather's ranch along the Perdenales River in the Texas Hill Country, where he enjoyed riding horses and watching the cowboys work at their various tasks. He fondly recalled many colorful characters from his childhood—both human and animal-- as well as family reunions, barbeques and fish-fries from his time on the ranch.

Upon graduating from high school at age 16, he entered the University of Texas at Austin, went on to attain his PhD in Physics, and ultimately became a Professor of Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering, fields that he taught here until his retirement in 1999. His groundbreaking work on biological fluids, particularly blood, brought worldwide acclaim, and he received the Alexander Von Humboldt Senior Scientist Award in recognition of his outstanding research. Throughout his career he traveled extensively in Europe, researching and lecturing at various universities in France, Sweden and Germany, and he felt a deep personal connection to Switzerland and the Rhineland, places not only rich in history but with connections to his own ancestral roots.

Ever thoughtful of others, George was a dedicated family man and a committed mentor to his many students. He loved nothing more than a good joke, a good story, and good times with friends over a good bottle of wine.

He is survived by his sister, a son, daughter, grandson and great granddaughter, and his devoted wife of the past ten years.

A memorial gathering in his honor is scheduled for Saturday, February 23rd at 1 p.m. at the Weed-Corley-Fish Event Center on 411 RR620 South in Lakeway (512)263-1511.