William Thomas Jr.

William is one of the most important mentors in my life. I first saw him play cello at Merrywood in 1973, maybe 1972?I think. He had this crazy beautiful sound - big, round, soulful. I said, "wow". When he came to Andover (my Mom was quite involved; my brother Ben, who was under his "stern tutelage" at Merrywood, essentially introduced him to the Andover community, I started to study cello with him, play in the orchestra under his baton, play cards with him every weekend, listen to a wide...

I have such fond memories of Bill. For his Penn State graduation recital, we performed Rossini´s cello and double bass duet. I was honoured that he asked me to join him in this performance, and I will always remember his kind and gentle manner, and of course his sense of humour! I still remember a wonderful dinner my wife and I had at his apartment with the best corn pudding I have ever tasted (sadly, I lost the recipe he gave me). Bill was an outstanding musician, and a truly unforgettable...

Thinking of "Mr Thomas" today after having attended a Non Sibi event for Andover in Los Angeles last night. Mr. Thomas epitomized the meaning of "non sibi," not for one's self. As I recounted to a new Andover friend, Mr T was the person who welcomed me in to the world of music there with open arms. Through him, I met Brahms, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Handel, Bach, Mozart, and also Susan Lloyd, Mimi Bravar, Barbara Kautzman, Chris Walter, Beda Lorenco, Eric Thomas, and many more wonderful...

I just looked at one of my most cherished gifts and memories of William have me positively overwhelmed...my desk paperweight engraved with "KAREN soprano, producer, friend love, William". When I first reached to join the Cambridge Community Chorus, it wasn't long until William had me organizing concerts & on the Board of Directors, and positively HAPPY to do tons of work not for pay, but for the pleasure of enjoying his friendship, thrilled to watch him pull amazing musical performances...

Remembering the dear counselor from Merrywood Music School that we knew as Bill Thomas --amazing cellist, great-hearted, deeply generous wildly funny and a remarkable teacher. Celebrating his life and though it's now years later, mourning his loss.

He was on my mind today. Such a fun, funny, talented, beautiful, caring man. Graduated in from Andover; never forgot him. In God's care.

Mr. Thomas was a gifted musician and teacher, and a warm and kind human being. He gave me a love for the music he loved. He also taught me that men can be passionate faithful Christians; that morality can be sassy and funny, and that it is important to look to the LEFT when you are crossing a street in England. I know the works of his hands will praise him in God's Kingdom. To his family members: I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing him with countless students at Phillips...

William is sorely missed. His passion for the purchase and restoration of his church home through the First African Foundation has inspired us to continue with his dream.

A great loss, we were best of friends all through junior high and college...what fond memories. May Yehovah bless him and all his friends and family