Carter Pomeroy Thacher

Carter Pomeroy Thacher Died September 11, 2009, in San Francisco, of complications from cancer. Carter was born in San Francisco on June 20, 1926. He attended Madison, Roosevelt, and Tamalpais schools. He received his B.A. from UCLA through the Navy's V-12 Office Training Program, and served during the final year of WWII in the Pacific. Following the war, he graduated from Yale Law School and then, in 1952, he married Mary Wilbur, beginning a wonderful marriage of 54 years. He began his business career in New York with Lybrand, Ross but soon returned to San Francisco and a very successful business career that culminated with his time at the Wilbur-Ellis Company. He was President from 1967 through 1988, during which time he provided steady oversight, loyal support, and perceptive leadership that led the company to significant growth and success. A highlight of his 49 years at Wilbur-Ellis was the long-lasting friendships with his colleagues. Carter believed that walking was as nourishing as food. He and his brother and best friend, Jim Thacher, were a familiar sight on the streets of San Francisco, walking to work every morning, a journey on which they logged over 20,000 miles together in 53 years. Although a native Californian, his New England roots were reflected in his determined industriousness. He devoted his free time to working on projects on his beloved "Bald Mountain" ranch and vineyard in Sonoma. He was happiest when, his pants covered in dirt but the water flowing again, he settled into another of Mary's fine meals, surrounded by his family and friends. Carter loved a good book and a good martini. His reading was often histories in preparation for journeys and to the end he remained a great traveler. At home he was an enthusiastic member of the Bohemian Club for almost 50 years. He was also a generous supporter of his family and his community. Those who knew him will remember his quiet amusement, even during challenging times, and his wonderful smile. Carter was predeceased by his wife, Mary, and his brother, James. He is survived by his children, John of St. Helena, David of Redmond, Washington, and Polly of Calistoga, his daughter-in-laws, Carry Thacher and Nancy Thacher, as well as by his close companion of recent years, Agnes Shapiro of Sausalito. A funeral service will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in San Francisco on Monday, September 21, at 3 p.m., with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the University of San Francisco or the Sonoma Land Trust.