Bruce William Thayer, 87, died April 2, 2010 at Indian River Medical Center. He was born in Evanston, Ill., attended Evanston public schools and Lehigh University, Class of 1944, graduating in 1943.
He has lived in Vero Beach for 19 years coming from Barrington, Ill. After a short stint with United Airlines he spent 40 years with Clark Equipment Co. achieving manager of branch operations in Battle Creek, Mich., followed by owning a Clark Equipment dealership in Chicago.
He served in the US Navy during World War II, training in Fort Pierce, and spent three years in the Pacific as a Naval Officer on an attack transport.
He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church and Riomar Country Club.
Survivors include his wife of 59 Years Nancy Thayer of Vero Beach, son, Robert Bruce Thayer of Panama City and his children, Robert W. Thayer, Jamie Thayer Hurd (Jeffrey), Erin Thayer and great-grandson Lucas Hurd, daughters, Elizabeth Noyes Thayer of Yarmouth, Maine and her children, Christine and Caroline Clough, Emily Thayer Guziak (Timothy) of Essex Junction, Vt. and their children, Kelsey, Melissa and Caleb Guziak.
He was predeceased by his parents Bruce W. and Constance Harrison Thayer.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, 3860 North Long Lake Road, Suite D, Traverse City, Mich., 49684-7204.
Memorial Service will be 1 p.m. on April 10, 2010 at St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church, 475 43rd Avenue, Vero Beach.
A guest book may be signed at www. strunkfuneralhome.com