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THOMAS RAYSOR Obituary
THOMAS M. S. RAYSOR
Thomas McTyeire Sparre Raysor passed away suddenly Tuesday, July 28, 2015. Thom was born April 4, 1947 in Washington, D.C. to Einar H. Raysor and the late Thomas M. Raysor Sr.He attended St. Paul's School, Concord, N.H. and graduated from his beloved University of Virginia with a B.A. Degree and the University of Maryland with a Masters in History.Thom was an avid collector of Civil War memorabilia, with an emphasis on uniforms, flags and material. He broadened his collecting to include 16th and 17th century English oak furniture.His career included a period at the Smithsonian Institution, the Department of Labor and most currently at the Department of Energy, for the Energy Information Agency.Thom is survived by his life partner of 43 years Alan J. Schneider, his mother Einar H. Raysor and his sister Ingrid Raysor. Thom was a kind, caring, deeply spiritual man who will be dearly missed by his family, numerous friends and colleagues. Thom was a peaceful and gentle soul. He lived life with great respect for God within, and saw God within all. He was an initiate of Kriya Yoga and Paramahamsa Hariharananda. A memorial service to celebrate Thom's life will be planned for a future date.
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Memories and Condolences
for THOMAS RAYSOR
Sponsored by His Loving Family.
Leah T. Alford
July 22, 2020
I am so stunned and sad to find that Thom Raysor has passed. I was friends with him (as Tommy) in elementary school when I lived in Chevy Chase. Even at that age I knew he was a person of unusual depth and kindness. After about 6th grade we lost touch somehow and I never knew that he became interested in the Civil War. That is such a coincidence because I too became a Civil War buff in my early teens. I never forgot him. I so regret not trying to look him up sooner but a rare chronic illness slowed all my activities in mid-life. I was Christina Tripp when we knew each other but using my middle name and married name I am now Leah Alford. I have found two childhood photos of him from a birthday party and am looking for more (Thom's on the left and I'm the tall girl standing next to him). Peace and comfort to all his friends and family.
Kenny McClevey
June 8, 2020
I just learned about Thom through an internet search. I was shocked to learn of his passing. I worked with Thom for several years at the Dept. of Energy. As others have stated, I knew Thom to be a very kind and gentle person. An exceptionally good person. It was God's reward to bring him home to heaven.
Thom had an incredible knowledge of civil war flags and uniforms. He always had lots of stories to tell about collecting, and re-creating civil war clothing. I remember that sometimes he thought that he may have been a civil war soldier in a previous life. I hope someday we all get to meet Thom again. My condolences to the family.
Michael Bad Hand
August 8, 2018
I just found out about Thom's passing as I did a search for him online. I met Thom in 1970 when I was 15 .He and I reenacted Civil War for several years together and I would visit him at his family house in Chevy Chase. Thom taught me a lot about both history and life and introduced me to Transcendental Meditation. When I later got married and moved to Wyoming we sort of lost touch, but our friendship never waned. He was a good man and he will be missed. Thank you Thom and to your friends and family as well. Michael [email protected]
July 27, 2018
Our Dearest Thom,
Your gentle spirit is with us everyday.
We miss you so much.
Barrie, Lynn and Phoenix
Lynn, Barrie and Phoenix Lerner
April 4, 2017
You are missed. You are loved.
December 30, 2015
We're so sad you left us so prematurely. We miss your great sense of humor and we are so sorry we didn't see you before you departed. I hope our son and my dad will meet you in heaven. We had such fun working together at the Smithsonian. May G-d take good care of you till we meet again. Love Loraine and Steve
Lisa Boesen
September 4, 2015
My heart goes out to the family, especially my dearest friend Ingrid Raysor. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
September 3, 2015
Jo (Ingrid): I was very sorry to see this and I would like to get in touch with you. My email is [email protected]. Its time we caught up!
Chris Sullivan
August 18, 2015
Rest peacefully Thom. I will sincerely miss our extended conversations and your friendship.
Barrie, Lynn and Phoenix
August 15, 2015
Our dearest Thom. As mortals, we will never understand why a loved one such as you is taken from us. God called your name, and angels surrounded you and took you to the glorious light of all.
We miss your sweet voice, your gentle words and your amazing insight.
The love you shared will be with us forever. Goodbye our dear Thom.
Thank you for sharing our walk upon this planet. Forever in our souls you will be.
Joan Rosenstein
August 4, 2015
We were shocked & deeply saddened to hear that Thom passed away! Alan & Einar, please accept our heartfelt condolences. Ken & I will hold you in our prayers at this
sad & difficult time.
Bev Johnson
August 4, 2015
My dear friend Thom,
Haven't seen you for a while.
It's times like this I wish we had been closer. I have wonderful warm memories of you and Alan.
Gentle doesn't begin to express
what a kind and loving friend you were.
My love and prayers are with you Alan, as well as your family.
Dan Wambaugh
August 4, 2015
Thom was a good man and a great friend. I will miss him dearly.
August 4, 2015
I was so sorry and shocked to hear that Thom had passed. Thom and I worked at the Smithsonian together. We were friends and had some fun times together with Alan, Bev and others. I'll always remember Thom for his gentleness, kindness, and his almost childlike wonder at things. Alan and Thom's family have my heartfelt sympathy.
Nancy Seeger
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