Ralph Clinton Thayer Jr.
In Memoriam ~ Ralph Clinton (Clint) Thayer Jr., 87, former TFA President, Director and Membership Chairman, passed away on October 23, 2017 at Cobalt Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, in Cobalt, Connecticut.
Mr. Thayer was born on May 9, 1930 in New London to Ralph and Eleanor Thayer. He honorably served in the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force.
Mr. Thayer attended New London schools and was active in musical activities. At the age of 16, he led a dance band that played at Ocean Beach Park. He attended the Eastman School of Music, where he met his wife, Connie. During the Korean War, he enlisted in the Air Force Band at Sampson AFB, NY, where he spent four years. After graduating from Eastman in 1956, he served for 16 years in the USCG Band, where achieved the rank of MUCS.
Mr. Thayer taught music in Groton for 11 years and coached many young musicians in the Eastern CT Symphony Youth Orchestra. He performed and conducted extensively, including serving as choir director of the First Baptist Church in New London where he served as deacon and moderator. He was a member of the S.A.R. and active in Masons for many years.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Mr. Thayer enjoyed gardening, history, genealogy, and spending time with family.
Mr. Thayer is predeceased by his wife, Constance J. Thayer. He is survived by his daughter, Patricia Backes and her husband Clifford of Moodus; son, Ralph C. Thayer III of S.C.; his two grandsons, Peter M. and his wife, Sara McIvor, of N.J., and Christian C. and wife, Christine McIvor, of N.C.; and his great granddaughters Juliette McIvor of N.C. and Claire McIvor of N.J.
Calling hours were held on Sunday, October 29, 2017 from 2 until 4 PM at Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Lake Ave., Niantic, CT 06357. A memorial service was held on Monday, October 30, 2017 at 2 PM in Flanders Baptist Church, Church Lane and Boston Post Rd., East Lyme. His memorial service included military honors and a Dixieland style funeral procession by the U.S. Coast Guard Band's Dixieland Band....joined by his 35-year-old grandsons on trombone and trumpet. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Flanders Baptist Church Music Fund, 138 Boston Post Road, East Lyme, CT 06333.
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Al Morton
"SAD NEWS REPORT
The Thayer Family and the Thayer Families Association has lost one of its most outstanding members. Albert Thayer Morton was born 1 September 1939 in Flint, Genesee, Michigan, the son of Harry Thayer Morton and Marjorie Anna Williams. He sadly passed away at age 77 on 17 December 2016 in Monroe county, NY after surgery. "Al" had been ill for the last several years. He was the grandson of Fannie Estelle Thayer (1879-1961) and Albert Edward Morton. He was my early correspondent from in 1990's and I had nominated him for a position in the TFA and he became Membership Chairman in 1995. He became president of the TFA in 1996, and held that position until 2000, when Ralph Clinton Thayer became president. Al then became president again in 2002. He retired in 2006 due to health issues. He was among my strongest supporters and had it not been for his efforts and encouragement, I doubt I could have progressed in my Thayer Family History and publishing endeavors without his help. Al helped tremendously in laying the groundwork for the wonderful association that we enjoy today.
Al's lineage:
Albert Thayer MORTON 11 (Harry Thayer MORTON 10, Fannie Estella 9, George Washington 8, Artemas 7, Asahel 6, Jonathan 5-4-3, Ferdinando 2, Thomas 1) THAYER
On behalf of all the entire Thayer family, we owe you a tremendous debt of gratitude. We love you Al and will miss you. Until we meet again - Patricia"
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Letters from Iraq
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s Vice President for Education and Community Partnerships, Marc Thayer, just returned to northern Iraq for 3 weeks where he coached music students in an institute sponsored by American Voices. This organization sets up temporary teaching institutes in areas of conflict. In this letter, he writes from the ancient city of Suleimanya.
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