Averill Thayer

In 1980 when I was 25 my friend and I met with Ave before flying in to Last Lake on the Sheenjek on March 1. Mr. Thayer was worried about us and a few days after we set up camp he flew to Last Lake and checked on us. Over tea in our wall tent with the wood stove going he realized how prepared we were. He was indeed a man of few words but his beaming smile said it all. Later, I became good friends with Marty Murrie and she had nothing but accolades for Avery. He was one hell of a man. I...

This is a beautiful tribute. We can all learn much from Ave's wise words. He has left a great legacy, and I am forever grateful for his contributions to conservation of the natural world.

Sending my love and condolences to the family. I grew up across the street (Audrey is my Grandmother) and even played over at the house with Hannah a bit. Mr. Thayer was a kind and straightforward man, with a quiet calm demeanor that I appreciated. I often saw him out on his daily walks, as his tall figure was easy to spot as he headed down the hill. It was a treat to learn a bit more about him in his beautifully written obituary. I know he will be dearly missed.

A man of humility, wisdom, decency and vision- at the helm of the Arctic Refuge the right man at the right time for one of our world's treasures. I am thankful. Watching Sandhill cranes, Mahsi Choo Ave

While I didn´t know Ave well, I had the privilege to meet him on a couple occasions. The first time was shortly after I became the manager of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in 1994. He graciously agreed to meet with me and a colleague over coffee. He was indeed humble and a man of few words, but a sharp.sense of humor. We got together again for a symposium of the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Arctic Refuge at the National Conservation Training Center. I knew he would be...

We've missed you so long, but I have the sense that we will see you again, here, at Hut Thayer, at the foot of Silvertip and in the shadow of Black Cap and White Princess. The days of gallomping and boomslinging are not over yet, my friend. Between us, we are forever young.