Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Clayton Lay Thomas

1921 - 2016

BORN

1921

DIED

2016

About

University of Kentucky VCU School of Medicine Virginia Commonwealth University

Clayton Thomas Obituary

December 23, 1921 - February 6, 2016 Physician, Lexicographer, Aeronaut, Dies at 94 Dr. Thomas received his MD at the Medical College of Virginia and his MPH from the Harvard School of Public Health. After being a flight surgeon in the US Navy, he became Medical Director and Vice President of Tambrands, Inc. This led to his involvement with the US Olympic Team and the annual Boston Marathon. Dr. Thomas was most proud of being Editor of Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. He founded the Balloon School of MA and was recently inducted into the US Ballooning Hall of Fame. In 1983 he and his wife were the only Americans taken hostage aboard a Air France flight which was hijacked to Teheran, Iran. Clayton was singled out and forced to kneel down on the tarmac while a gun was fired by his head. After five days, the terrorists surrendered and the hostages released. Dr. Thomas leaves behind his wife Margaret and his four children: son Robert and his wife Carey Shefte, of VA, son Clayton of CO, daughter Wendy of MA and daughter Gwynne, her husband Richard Trutanic and step grand-son Nicholas, all of Santa Monica, CA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times from Feb. 11 to Feb. 12, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Clayton Thomas

33 Entries

Stephen Gallerani

February 3, 2023

What a full, and interesting life. Not knowing Mr. Thomas, but attending school with his children, their Dad is surely someone to be very proud of. God Bless.

Ann White

February 3, 2023

I went to the Sturbridge Senior Center for a exercise class and Clayton also went. I loved talking with him.....he was a lovely person.

Bruce Allyn Klockars

November 1, 2019

Clayton is a new loss for me, today. The wide sea of time which separated us buoyed me up and let me foolishly believe that there had been no passing change despite the years. I am proud that he would work together with me over a few years on an attempt at measuring the attributes involved and developing head protection devices for people with epileptic seizuresthough the technology, at the time, was not ready for this to be successful. I remember him with utter fondness, awe at his humility, and sincere gratitude for his friendship. I think he must be credited with supporting the foundations that I, and many others, sought to move toward in making life more viable, livable, and supportable. I will always appreciate this gentle giant and am so sad that he has gone.

Ken Farrell Sr

March 4, 2016

RIP Doc Clayton - Thank you for all the care you provided to mine family and the many others as well - You lived life large and brought the world to a little town so long ago - Many prayer and thoughts go out to your family

Kate Wahlberg Belsky

February 16, 2016

I worked with Dr. Thomas back in the early 80's at Tampax and as secretary to the Board of Health in Brimfield - oh my, what a guy! I also remember hearing on the radio about him being held hostage and thinking if anyone could survive such an ordeal like that with their sense of humor intact, it was Dr. Thomas. I was lucky enough to get a ride in his balloon and when I asked where we were going - he said - wherever the wind takes us! Wishing you a soft landing Dr. Thomas - I'm sure you have a big ol' bottle of champagne to share upon arrival ♡♡♡

Molly Pickett

February 15, 2016

Clayton was a gentleman and a scholar and I am grateful to have known him through working at Tambrands. Several of us used to go out with him for a jog during lunch and he kept us continually entertained with many great stories and some memorable tales where it was hard to tell if he was pulling our legs or not. I shall not forget his knowledge and support during my graduate studies, and especially his wit and the twinkle in his eye. He was one of a kind for sure. All my best wishes to the Thomas family.

February 13, 2016

Dr. Thomas will be missed by so many. I worked with him at Tampax, back in the early 70's. What a great friend and mentor. Sorry I never got to ride in one on his hot air balloons. We thought about him a lot at the balloon festival at Lake George last fall.
Phyllis Kay and John Chabot

Sheri

February 13, 2016

Doc Thomas, A truly great man. Thanks for all the wisdom gently shared, anecdotes, laughs and for sharing your joy of life and living with everyone. It was a true pleasure knowing you, working for you and flying the balloons with you.
My heartfelt condolences to Peggy and the family.

Williams David

February 13, 2016

Greetings from the past: As the pastor of the Brimfield Congregational Church UCC from 1964-1972 I was privileged to share many share several moments with Clay and family. One was free flight in his balloon on 12/13/69 - my 30th birthday! My best to Peggy and the "kids"! What a guy!!!

Diane Tomassetti

February 12, 2016

Blessings to Clayton's family! Clayton was a joy to know and spend time with at many balloon festivals, he noticed my always flying in bare feet and found my feet to be sturdy, after inspecting them. As a pilot he felt that since I wasn't traipsing through the brush he gave me an okay...He was a wonderful person and I will always have the fondest memories, deepest respect and feel honored to have known him! May his spirit soar high! Diane Tomassetti

Laurie Boniface

February 12, 2016

Dear Clayton and family, my condolences to you and your family. Your father lived an amazing and unusual life, and lived to a ripe old age. Despite your great loss, there is a great life to celebrate! Peace to you and your family.
Laurie Boniface Sturbridge, Ma.

Susan Rowe

February 12, 2016

RIP neighbor!!! Always a pleasant man!!

John Griswold

February 12, 2016

Clayton worked with my grandfather at Tambrands many decades ago, and purchased Grandpa's Dingley Dell property when Grandpa moved to NH. Many years later, my wife and some friends decided to go ballooning for my wife's 40th birthday. Lo and behold, we ended up in Clayton's capable hands. I rode along in the chase truck. Afterward, after finding out who I was, Clayton quite graciously allowed us a quick tour of the house so I could relive some memories of my childhood. My wife and her friends, all nurses, were all starstruck at meeting the editor of Tabors as well. Clayton was a brilliant, accommodating, and very nice man. My sincere condolences to his family.

February 11, 2016

I knew Doc from being in an exercise class with him at the Sturbridge Senior Center. He and his good friend Bud had quite the fun. I remember him as a elegant gentleman and am glad I had the pleasure of knowing him. My thoughts are with his family. Ann White.

February 11, 2016

What a tremendously full life you lived Mr. Thomas,helping and influencing so many. God Bless.

Sheila & Sam Koran

February 11, 2016

Sorry to hear of Mr. Thomas's passing, he will be missed and Mrs Thomas we will miss seeing you at the farm.

Andy Roebuck

February 11, 2016

Thanks for all that you taught me and my family, Doctor Thomas. Fair winds.

Anna Richardson

February 11, 2016

A truly great man who contributed greatly with an impressive and active life. You will be missed, Dr. Thomas. Condolences to Mrs Thomas and family. (I am originally from beautiful Sturbridge, MA).

Darlene Wood (Walch)

February 11, 2016

many childhood memories of seeing his balloons landing in our yard. Rest in peace Doc Thomas. Thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Joe and Carol Davin

February 10, 2016

Dr.Thomas was truly unique and special. He was a very intelligent and patriotic man who led a fascinating life. He had awesome stories to tell and shared them with passion and a dry sense of humor. He was a neighbor and friend. We are so sad to hear of his passing. May this rare and wonderful man rest in peace with the lord.

Kathleen Kelley

February 10, 2016

Although we never met , I was a classmate of your daughter Gwynn.
Sorry to hear of your passing. RIP Sir.

February 10, 2016

RIP beautiful man.. I know god will hold you in his loving arms. We will all miss you..
Beth, John and Madison...

John Twining

February 10, 2016

Dr Thomas was loved and respected by his friends at Bank of America is Sturbridge and we loved his humor. His stories were entertaining and insightful. He will be sorely missed

Lisa Fusco

February 10, 2016

R.I.P

Agata Lajoie

February 10, 2016

What a huge loss to our community. A true leader, gentleman, friend, physician, and what a great mind. His biggest pet peeve in life was unfulfilled potential. He wanted everyone to succeed their best because he saw potential in all whom he had met. It was an exceptional honor to work with him for the Brimfield Board of Health and he will be truly missed by those whose lives he has enriched. My deepest condolences to the Thomas family. Rest in Peace, Clayton.

February 10, 2016

I worked with Dr. Thomas. Always a gentleman. Terrific sense of humor. He will be missed.

Seth Lajoie

February 10, 2016

Clayton, you will be dearly missed. I am extremely grateful for the honor of knowing you. Godspeed my friend.

Gene Merritt

February 10, 2016

A wonderfully genteel man. When I worked for the Southbridge News I had the honor of taking Dr. Thomas & Peggy's photo after they returned from the 1983 hijacking. A really, really nice man whose wonderful energy will be missed.

dave brien

February 10, 2016

I am one of the "hundred" pilots Clayton certified in a hot air balloon. I enjoyed the few times I was with him, his stories, and his sense of humor.Thank you
Dave brien

Sandy Flynn

February 10, 2016

I have never met you, but from what I hear...you're a legend!! RIP Sir!! You have lived the life of many.

rodney royce

February 9, 2016

R.I.P Mr Clayton L. Thomas !!

Palma Luppi

February 9, 2016

Many thanks, Dr. Thomas, for a memorable flight out of Brimfield 20+ years ago...My Godmother celebrated her 70th birthday...we landed in a cow pasture in Wales MA. A lifetime memory for us!

David, Dr. Thomas and me in 2013.

Areli Karime Cuevas-Ocampo

February 9, 2016

So sorry to hear the news. Sending my condolences to the family, especially Peggy and Wendy who helped me editing my personal statement on the Summer of 2014. I will always remember Dr. Thomas with great affection, he was always very nice to me, even when we met only a few occasions through our mutual friend David Walulak. He's and will always be an inspiration, a role model.

Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results