Joseph Thomas THAYER

1954 - 2020

THAYER, Joseph Thomas Joe Thayer passed away at his home in Shoreline, Washington on December 17 after a year-long battle with brain cancer. He was sixty-six years old. Joseph Thomas Thayer's parents were Buryl Stewart Thayer (1922 2012) and J. Lewis Thayer (1921 1982). Born in Wenatchee on April 20, 1954, Joe was raised in Spokane where he graduated from Lewis and Clark High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in economics at Washington State University, and then a master's degree from WSU, also in economics. He was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity, and he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society. When he was in college Joe suffered a spinal injury, and used a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He spent his career in telecommunications, where most recently he was in charge of contract negotiations between CenturyLink and large developers. He retired four years ago. Among Joe's interests was traveling, and he had visited 47 states. He is survived by his brother James S. Thayer and his wife Patricia of Seattle, his brother John L. Thayer M.D. and his wife Kathleen of Medina, his sister Constance J. Thayer of Shoreline, seven nieces and nephews, and two grand-nieces. His brother Jay died in 2010. Joe's family and friends say that he is among the best men they have ever known. He was brave and resilient, smart and funny. He will be missed. A celebration of Joe's life will be held after the pandemic has waned.