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William Thomas Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Thomas
Tom Lloyd
April 26, 2022
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 range of music with him, and generally feel his insane warmth and positive energy.
William (Bill became William somewhere in there) changed my life. He suffered through my adolescent BS, he gave me the musical confidence that stays with me to this day, he gave me the responsibility as a cellist to play all that stuff, he got me into college, he was a dear friend.
I was with my brother Seth tonight, and we were recalling the glee that William had when he would win a hand - "read ``em and weep"; or - "come high or stay at home".... All while listening to turn-of-the-century black music on whatever was available in 1974-75.
I recall the last time I saw him - my parents had long since left Andover, I was long out in the world, and I stopped by his place on Highland Ave. a warm enveloping hug; a gap-toothed smile; some food offered; but, mainly an affirmation. An affirmation of a committed person who was still making a big difference in the world.
Wi wish William was still with us. We could use his insane positivity about now. I could use his hug. I could celebrate his commitment to his community, his history, his family, and his world.
Robert Mellin
January 9, 2022
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 friend.
Christine Kim
December 13, 2021
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 musicians and their music. I recall going to his home several times to play and to listen to chamber music. I remember being in his office and having the honor of playing chamber music with him, the warmth of his soul coming through his cello....
Karen Greenwood Page
September 25, 2020
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 out of a mixed group of trained/untrained vocalists who, like him, just had to have music in our life to feel complete. Freshly divorced and alone when I arrived in MA, in no time he brought me into that choral family, which was so painful to leave when returning to VA. He was amazingly generous, kind to a fault, encouraging, loving and seemed to have boundless energy along with this admirable trait: to give of himself, over and over, for the greater good of all. So full of humor and love, I always enjoyed silently laughing during a rehearsal when someone would interrupt his conducting drive toward our musical goal with some nit-picky question and he'd quickly brush the concern away with my favorite of his many sayings, "Now honey! That's just a dust ball on the Titanic." Will never forget him, a wonderful man who's musical vision took us all on journeys where we had never imagined we could go. Miss him so very much - sending love to his family, friends and fellow musicians. We were so blessed to have shared in his musical journey of love.
December 14, 2019
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.
Deidra Gilliard
May 25, 2014
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.
Mary Schwarzer-Hampton
June 6, 2013
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 Academy.
yvonne giles
May 29, 2013
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.
eric nagel
May 18, 2013
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
Eunice Beatty
May 18, 2013
William was often referred to as "baby brother" (a childhood friend and neighbor, and choir member at First African Baptist Church). Extremely talented musician at a very young age, no surprise that he touched so many lives with his love for music.
Prayers and deepest sympathy to his family
Laura Bewig Chritton
May 6, 2013
Rest in musical peace, forever, Mr. T. and blessings to your beautiful family.
I was a vocal student of William's at Phillips Academy in Andover, MA. He was my inspiration into the world of music where I have lived professionally for the past 25 years. Thank you for sharing your joy of music and life with so many of us.
Lois Josimovich
May 6, 2013
We miss William very much and extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family.
Tribute flowers placed by friends in William E. Thomas Square, Cambridge, MA
Lois Josimovich
May 6, 2013
Gerda` Conant
May 4, 2013
William brought diverse people and music together in a wonderful way. His legacy will live on for many generations.
Kathy Williams
May 4, 2013
Donna, William will forever be in my heart and was one of the kindest, most gifted directors I have ever worked with. He is truly missed but the love he shared with all will never cease. God bless you and your family.
Chuck Medler
May 4, 2013
William was a wonderful cellist and leader. He enabled choristers to sing things that they had no idea they could.
hope you remember me from IBM/Lexmark
Don Kozak
May 2, 2013
Donna,
I am sorry for your brother's passing. I got to meet William a couple of weeks ago with ITN. I drove him to the airport. He seemed very likable and a humble person.
Ruth Guy-Donald
May 1, 2013
To God Be The Glory.
ANGEL WATKINS
April 30, 2013
Mr. Thoams will TRULY be missed. It was an Honor to know him and become a friend. We have had many laughs, and special moments. Thank you Donna for my last words. Angel Watkins
Marlys Edwards
April 30, 2013
This dear man gave the gift of music to hundreds of students at Phillips Academy. His legacy is incomparable. How we will miss him!
June Madden
April 30, 2013
Donna,
Iam so glad that I got to meet your brother. I was the first black tour guide at Waveland State Historic Site and was able to give him a tour of the 1860's home along with the original slave quarters. We talked then about the project that he wanted to do. I told him that I would help in any way that I could. I would like to be involved in the project because of him. I can be contacted at [email protected]. Your brother was a special person.
Shauna Taulbee, RN
April 30, 2013
It was an honor to care for you and to get to know about you through your family. I'm sure you brought even more beautiful music to heaven. My prayers are with your family.
Sherry Hill
April 30, 2013
Donna,
Please know in your heart that I am praying for at this time. May the sovereign God bless your heart and grant you peace.
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