Patricia Ann Thayer

Pat lived a life filled with a passion for art, painting and music. She loved her family, raising five children, Jim Jr, Anne, John, Tommy and Mike on a five-acre farm in Beaverton, Oregon, along with her husband of 60 years, businessman and retired BG General James B. Thayer Sr.

Pat was born on June 22, 1924 in Spokane, Washington to Glenn and Edith Cunningham (née Shugart). Growing up she spent summers as a counselor at Camp Sweyolakan on Lake Coeur d’ Alene in Idaho. She and her five closest friends known as “The Six” loved horseback riding, playing golf at Hayden Lake (Idaho) Country Club and winters ice skating at Spokane’s Manito Park. Pat developed a beautiful singing voice and became a skilled violinist.

After graduating from Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane in 1942, Pat attended Washington State University and joined the Pi Beta Phi sorority. The following year she moved to Boston, Massachusetts studying drawing and design for three years at the renowned Von Lotta School of Art. Returning to Spokane in 1947 she was hired as a fashion illustrator at the Crescent department store. In 1948 she enrolled at Seattle University and graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree. After college she continued work as a fashion illustrator at The Bon Marché in Seattle.

In 1952 she met her future husband James B. Thayer in The Dalles, Oregon. They were married on April 19, 1954 and settled in Beaverton to start a family together. Pat and Jim were founding members of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in 1954. Together they co-founded the J. Thayer Company in 1955, selling office products, furniture, stationary and fine gifts. That same year Pat taught art classes at the Tucker-Maxon Oral School in Portland to hearing-impaired children.

Along with raising five children through the 1950s, 60s and 70s, Pat continued to hone her art skills through the 1980s studying at the Oregon School of Arts and Crafts and later at Marylhurst College in Portland. She sang in the St. Bartholomew’s church choir for many years and helped establish The Resale Shop in Beaverton raising money for the church.

Pat had innate talent and ability as a mother, teacher, musician and artist. She had a profound influence on her family, friends and all who had the good fortune of knowing her and experiencing her love and devotion. After 50 years in Beaverton, Pat and Jim sold their home in 2008 and moved to The Stafford Retirement Community in Lake Oswego meeting new friends and enjoying a simpler lifestyle together.

She is survived by her husband, Jim; sons, Jim, John, Tommy and Mike (Kristy) Thayer; brother, Bill (Lorna) Cunningham; grandchildren, Matthew and Patrick Thayer, Haley, Eli, Tristan and Carson Thayer; nieces, Patty (Tom) Connolly Krier, Cathy Akers, Edie (Clay) Lewis and Mary DuBoyce; and nephews Jim (Margy) Krier, Jeff Krier and Dana Cunningham. Patricia was preceded in death by her daughter Anne Thayer, and sister Jean (Malcolm) Krier.

A memorial service to celebrate Pat’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014 at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Beaverton. The public is welcome. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the St. Bartholomew’s Vicar’s Fund, 11265 S. W. Cabot Street, Beaverton, OR 97005.