Obituary of Brian Davis Thayer

Brian Davis Thayer of Bear, DE passed away on Sunday, July, 25 2010 at St Francis Hospital Compassionate Care Hospice in Wilmington, DE. He was 71 years old. Brian was born January 20, 1939 to Lewis Thayer and Dorothy (Thomas) Travers and raised on the Thomas family farm in Carver, MA. Although Brian spent the last two decades living in Virginia, Florida and Delaware, he always considered Carver his home. It is especially fitting that he return and be laid to rest on Old Home Day weekend; an event he dearly missed and talked about often with his grandchildren. Brian held many positions during his lifetime including; farming, cranberry harvesting, logging, and was a former Superintendent of the Department of Public Works for the Town of Carver. During most of his adult life he worked in construction and as a truck driver up until his retirement in 2009. Brian was in his element while driving a truck and loved the open road. Prior to getting married he traveled from Carver to California by motorcycle and always related to stories about the open road. The consummate outdoorsman and expert hunter, Brian was happiest spending time in the woods camping, fishing, hunting and running dogs with his Brother Bruce. These times were fulfilling to him when shared with family and good friends. He especially enjoyed hunting with his two son-in-law's Chuck, Mike and his grandson Brian. A former race car driver at Lakeville Speedway, Brian was a track favorite behind the wheel of #37. He consistently placed in the top 3 and won Driver of the Year multiple times. His brother Jim "Crow" led his pit team. Brian was a NASCAR enthusiast who cheered for #20, Tony Stewart. Brian could always be counted on to know the racing schedule and share tidbits with his race reluctant granddaughters Caroline, Janel, and Evelyn. He was a Patriots fan and loved to watch the games over at Valerie's House especially when the Patriots played the Eagles knowing that his grandson Jason is a devout Eagles fan. Of course there was always colorful commentary during the games and everyone in the family enjoyed time together. Brian was a unique and colorful individual who believed strongly in family, community and taking time to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. He enjoyed spending time with his five grandchildren who are growing up loving nature, hunting and fishing. He will be missed at deer camp but we know his spirit will eternally push deer our way. He is survived by his brothers Bruce Thayer of Carver, MA and James Thayer of Industry, ME. He is also survived by his two daughters Valerie Gassert and her husband Charles of Middletown, DE and Lena Thayer-Wice and her husband Michael of Newark, DE. "Grampy" will be dearly missed by his grandchildren Jason Gassert of Rockville, MD, Brian and Caroline Gassert of Middletown, DE and Janel and Evelyn "Squeaky" Wice of Newark, DE. He is also survived by his former wife and dear friend Ruthie (Bassett) Thayer as well as many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Florence "Tooty" (Thayer) Westgate. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Shepherd Funeral Home, 116 Main St, Carver on Thursday, July 29th. A graveside service will take place the following morning, 10 a.m. at the Plymouth County Cemetery , South Meadow Rd, Plymouth. Donations in his memory may be made to Carver Sportsman's Club, 3 Laurie Lane, Carver, MA 02330.