Bernard Shaun Thurman

Shaun was born on May 16, 1963 in Ponoka, Alberta, CA to Bernard and Hendrika (Jentink) Thurman. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Oregon in Social Work but chose to pursue a career in Law Enforcement in Oakland, CA.

He started as a Patrol Officer but quickly rose to the rank of Sergeant Detective in the Homicide division. Because of his analytical nature and attention to detail, he became known as one of the best detectives on the force at that time. Shaun received a Medal of Valor for protecting fellow officers during a shootout with an armed criminal intent on causing harm to his own family as well as the police officers responding to the scene.

Upon retirement, Shaun moved across the country to Virginia and bought a small farm near the Appalachian Mountains and restored the property's original 1840's house. Having the knowledge and skill to do so, he was able to bring the house back to its former pre-Victorian glory. In 2010 while working toward furnishing the house with period antiques, he met Jenny Devine in an antique shop he frequented and they married in 2012.

A number of years (and winters) later, Shaun and Jenny decided to move to a warmer climate and a bigger city. They ended up in Los Angeles where Shaun pursued work in the film industry as a technical advisor for period police dramas. You may even catch him in front of the camera here and there in various small roles.

Last, but most definitely not least, Shaun had style! His passion for history manifested as a love of classic cars and vintage clothing. Inspired by the Film Noir films of the 1940s (his favorites), he prefered above all else the boxy shoulders and large lapels of a classic 1940's suit. And he wore them well as so many of his friends would agree.

Shaun was a naturally positive person and was quick to smile, laugh and enjoy friends and family. He had a calm confidence about him and a very quick wit. He was inquisitive by nature and knew much more than the average person about a wide variety of subjects. But he was humble, genuine, and ultimately a very kind soul.

Shaun is survived by his wife Jenny, his cousin Jo, several aunts and uncles, a brotherhood of fellow police officers and three wonderful and mischievous cats.

A Celebration Of Life gathering for family and friends has been planned on August 30th at the LA Police Museum.

Arrangements are under the direction of Douglass & Zook Funeral and Cremation Services, Monrovia, California.