Alan Tolhurst, an architect who contributed to the community by serving on local boards, passed away on July 8. He died after a long battle with leukemia.

“Alan served his community of South Lake Tahoe in so many ways to insure economic improvement and environmental responsibility as a leader on the El Dorado County Planning Commission for 15 years and on the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Advisory Planning Commission,” said El Dorado County Supervisor Norma Santiago in a statement.

Mr. Tolhurst graduated from Homestead High School in Cupertino.  He attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, graduating in 1974 with a degree in environmental design. He received his graduate degree in 1982 at the Southern California Institute of Architecture, an independent school of architecture in Los Angeles.

Working first with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley from 1985-88, Mr. Tolhurst was later employed by San Jose as an architect in 1988.

After moving to South Lake Tahoe, he opened a private practice as Alan G. Tolhurst, Architect in 1996.

“Alan was a deep thinker, a man of vision, and a quintessential design professional with a light-sided sense of humor. He spoke from experience, presence and thoughtfulness. He felt compassion for everything he touched, decided and discovered. And, he also incorporated a broad vision in every professional application,” said Santiago.

“TRPA is deeply saddened by the passing of El Dorado County Planning Commissioner Alan Tolhurst, who served as a long-time member and past chair of TRPA’s Advisory Planning Commission,” said a statement provided by the agency. “Our thoughts are with his family and his young daughter, whom he was so proud of.  We will miss his commitment and compassion.”

Mr. Tolhurst is survived by his wife Brigitte and daughter Zyeena.

The flags of El Dorado County fly at half staff this week in Mr. Tolhurst’s honor.