Dennis Aron Thurlow

Dennis Aron Thurlow, age 72, of Lexington, Maine, passed away on December 26, 2025, at 9:06 a.m. at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine, following complications from severe pneumonia and cardiac arrest.

Dennis was born on December 15, 1953, in Portland, Maine. He attended Scarborough High School, graduating with the Class of 1973, and went on to SMVTI where he studied automotive technology. In 1978, Dennis married the love of his life, Bonney, and together they shared 47 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and family.

Dennis spent most of his life as a painter and was exceptionally skilled in restoration work. He was well known for his ability to restore anything put in front of him — from bicycles to big rigs. He had a special passion for rebuilding Land Rovers and took great pride in his craftsmanship. If it had an engine or needed bringing back to life, Dennis could do it, and do it well.

Dennis was a devoted husband, a proud father, and an adoring grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Bonney Thurlow; his daughter Mindy Taaffe and her husband Patrick, and their children Luke and Sloane; his son Jaysen Cobb and his wife Jess; his daughter Renee Thurlow and her husband Howie; and his daughter Katrenia Small and her husband Chris, and their children Jaaron and Raquel.

Dennis is also survived by his brother Everett Thurlow and his wife Anita; his sisters Cindy Green and her husband Jimmy, and Jody Snow and her husband Paul; and many others who were not just friends, but family.

Dennis was well known and deeply respected in the racing community. A lifelong racing enthusiast, he earned the nickname “Mad Dog Thurlow.” He won the very first Wildcat Division at Beech Ridge Speedway and was known for starting the winning burnout tradition. His accomplishments were proudly featured in the newspaper with the headline “Mad Dog Gets Wildcat.” Dennis dominated the track for years and left a lasting legacy in local racing.

Outside of racing, Dennis loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and ice fisherman and was especially known for always managing to get “that big buck.”

Above all else, Dennis was incredibly proud of his family. He loved them deeply and made sure they always knew it. He will never be forgotten and will always be remembered.

There will be no formal service at this time. A celebration of life will be held in the spring, with details to be announced at a later date. A GoFundMe page has been established to support Bonney. Those who wish to help are welcome to do so by visiting gofund.me/89dc762ab

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