MICHAEL THOMAS

1936 - 2021

THOMAS --Michael M. The directors and associates of the Robert Lehman Foundation mourn the passing of our beloved colleague, Michael M. Thomas. Novelist, columnist, reviewer, raconteur, unabashed chronicler and critic of the foibles of humanity, Michael could also list financier, philanthropist, and art historian on his resume of accomplishments. Michael was generous to a fault with his many friends, obsessively solicitous of the future of young talent, gregarious and witty, invariably the source of oxygen in whatever room he occupied and with whatever company he found himself. Michael's interests were universal, but he dedicated himself to a single consuming pursuit in life: rooting out cant and hypocrisy with the acuity and perseverance - and a compensating dose of charm - of an avenging fury. The ringing tones of his "Midas Watch" will long be the background chorus to all our pursuits. We extend our deepest sympathies to Tamara, to our fellow associate Jeffrey, to all of Michael's family, and to all those whose lives he touched. We miss him terribly. Philip H. Isles, President, Robert Lehman Foundation