John Griffin Thatcher

1946 - 2024

John Griffin Thatcher

March 23, 1946 - August 22, 2024

San Luis Obispo, California - John Griffin Thatcher, devoted husband, scholar, and dog lover, peacefully passed away at his home in San Luis Obispo, California, on August 22, 2024, at the age of 78.

Born on March 23, 1946, in Washington, D.C., to Lionel and Elizabeth (Griffin) Thatcher, John grew up in Madison, Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison before graduating from the University of California-Berkeley in 1968. He traveled across the country to Yale University, where he received a master's degree and pursued a PhD in Ecological and Evolutionary Biology. Though passionate about academia, the difficult job market in the sciences led him back to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned an MBA and a PhD in Finance.

In 1976, John married Janet Solverson, a fellow classmate, in Madison, Wisconsin. Together, they pursued careers as finance professors, with John teaching at Virginia Tech, Clarkson University, Marquette University, and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Known for inspiring his students, John earned numerous teaching awards.

Even in retirement, John's thirst for knowledge never waned. He continued studying fields like mathematics, computers, and foreign languages throughout his life. His kind nature and wry sense of humor endeared him to everyone who knew him.

John is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Janet, his soulmate and lifelong love; his sister, Annette Jorgensen, and her husband, Dave; sister-in-law, Judy Warder, and her husband, Tom; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Gilbert Thatcher; his sister, Janet Gardiner; and his beloved English Setters, Sam and Bessie.

At John's request, no memorial service will be held. He participated in a clinical trial for an immunotherapy cancer medication, which extended his life by a year. In his memory, please consider a donation to UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation in his honor.