Obituary of Willard K Thayer

Willard K. Thayer, 89, of Millington, NJ passed away peacefully on Thursday January 3, 2013 in the presents of his loving family members. Bill was born in Chicago, and grew up in Waukegan, IL and Colorado Springs, Colorado. His Academic studies at Northwestern University were interrupted by his service in WWII. Bills served as a forward observer with the U.S. Army in Europe, earning three Bronze Battle Stars. He was one of the first U.S. troops to cross the Rhine into Germany over the bridge at Remagen. Bill returned to Northwestern University after WWII and graduated with a Bachelors degree in chemistry. Bill was a long time sales manager for Pfizer Inc. in New York. He was an avid golfer and a member of Tuxedo Country Club in Tuxedo Park, N.Y. for over 50 years. Bill immensely enjoyed being in the company of friends and family. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who delighted all around him with his warmth, humor and eccentricities. He is survived by Edna McLaughlon- Thayer, his wife of 34 years, daughter Tracey (Jeffrey Cartwright), son Willard F. (Catherine), grandsons Peter Cartwright (Laura), Michael Cartwright and Charles Thayer, and nephew Bill K Ward (Janice). He is also survived by his former wife, Helen (Muff) Stewart Thayer. Bill was predeceased by his son Ross Stewart Thayer and his sister Jean Ward. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family on Sunday January 6, 2013 from 1-3pm at the Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home, 101 South Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ. Donations may be made in Bill's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38101-2151. For more information please contact the Funeral Home at 908-766-0250 or to light an online condolence candle visit our website www.gcfuneralhome.com.