Bradley Read Thayer

Bradley Read Thayer, 81, of Dalton, NH and Palm City, FL, and many years in Madison, NJ, passed away peacefully on February 17th, 2018 at Kendal at Hanover, NH from Alzheimer's Dementia.

Brad was born on June 14th, 1936, the son of Hollis and Florence Thayer. He was raised in Brooklyn, NY, attending Packer Institute and Poly Preparatory Schools for elementary and high school. Growing up in the midst of World War II instilled in him a lifelong interest in world history and the great leaders of the twentieth century. He loved to gaze across the East River at the Manhattan skyline, marveling as skyscrapers continued to rise over the years, relishing in the idea that New York really was the "city that never sleeps". But when summer arrived, he would travel with his family by car to their home in Whitefield, NH. The White Mountains served as the backdrop for many family adventures along hiking trails, followed by outdoor parties and celebrations at the homes of friends and family.

In the fall of 1954 he left Brooklyn to attend Williams College, where he was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity, graduating in 1958 with a B.A. degree in English. He returned often to Williamstown for class reunions, reconnecting with friends and celebrating with the Williams College Reunion Jazz Band. Following graduation he attended Columbia University Business School where he received an M.B.A., with a major in finance in 1960. He eventually became a chartered financial analyst (C.F.A.).

In June of 1960 he entered the Marine Corps, serving one year in active duty in the air wing as an air traffic controller. He retired from the Marine Corps Reserves in 1966. Years after his service was over he would always snap to attention whenever he heard the Marine Corps hymn. He was proud to serve his country and frequently would say to his family, "Once a Marine, always a Marine."

It was during this time that he met his beloved wife of 55 years Mildred Newman Thayer. They married in 1963, and lived in Madison, NJ where they raised their three children, Emily, William (Bill) and Christopher. He worked hard to provide for his family and throughout his life gave his time to his church, schools and community organizations. Brad enjoyed serving on a number of boards including Grace Episcopal Church as a Warden, Morristown Beard School as Chairman of the Board, Morris County Golf Club, Noe Pond Club and the Profile Club as President of the Board.

His career in investment management spanned four decades. He worked in the Investment Department (bonds and equities) of Prudential Insurance Company in Newark, NJ from 1961-1971. He then joined Scudder, Stevens and Clark Investment Management, an investment counseling and mutual fund business in New York City, where he reached the position of Managing Director. He was passionate about researching new companies and business innovations, following the markets, and providing client services. After retirement in 2000, Brad and Bee moved to their long-time vacation home in Dalton, NH in 2001.

Brad and Bee traveled the world, experiencing great adventures together in Europe, China, India, Africa, Alaska, Ecuador (Galapagos Islands), Peru (Amazon and Machu Picchu), Ireland, the Canadian Maritimes and several cruises to the Caribbean Islands. He also traveled up and down the eastern seaboard of the United States, visiting the family farm in Virginia, but always looking forward to returning their homes. His favorite past times included spending time with family, playing tennis, golf and hiking. He also enjoyed oil and watercolor painting, investment management, model trains, reading, Broadway musicals and keeping up to date on the latest business news.

He is survived and will be deeply missed by his wife Mildred (Bee) Newman Thayer and his children: daughter Emily Thayer Benson and her husband Peter Benson and their children Hannah and Pearse Jacob (PJ); son William Thayer and his wife Luisa and their children Kaitlyn and Bradley; son Christopher Thayer and wife Wendy and their children Tucker and Riley; brother H. Redmond Thayer and his wife Milou, sister Florence (Foncie) Thayer Darby; sister-in-law Clare (Ginger) N. Blanchard and her husband Bob, his brother-in-law James (Jeep) W. Newman, Jr. and wife Cathy, and brother-in-law Charles C. Newman and spouse Tom Applequist, and many wonderful cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Hollis and Florence Thayer, brother-in-law Lewis E. Darby, and his dear cousins Ed, Bronson and Jim Thayer.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10 o'clock at All Saint's Episcopal Church in Littleton, NH on Friday, June 29th, 2018. A reception will immediately follow the service. To express condolences, please go to the website of Bailey Funeral Home: www.baileyfh.net . In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Bradley may be designated to the "Ledgeview Fund" at the NH Charitable Foundation online ( www.nhcf.org ) or mailed to 37 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH 03301.