Nicholas Thayer, 63

Wednesday, April 15, 2015 - 5:31pm

Nicholas Thayer of West Tisbury died peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 14. He was 63.

Nicholas was born Dec. 15, 1951 in Bryn Mawr, Pa., to parents John and Imogen Thayer.

He served as a primary school art teacher at Milton Academy in Milton for nearly 20 years. As an artist he was a vital part of the Night Heron cooperative gallery in Vineyard Haven, as well as a teacher at Featherstone Center of the Arts and a board member for the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School.

Nicholas is survived by his wife Nina, three children, six grandchildren and his extended family on the Vineyard and beyond.

Details on his celebration of life and a full obituary will follow in a future edition of the Gazette.

Comments (17)

Weezie Gilpin, Needham/Vineyard Haven

Nick touched the lives of so many children during his time as a teacher. My three adult children remember him so fondly and we still have many pieces of their artwork inspired by Nick during their years at Milton. His gentle, caring style endeared him to all who met him. He has left us far too soon and will be missed.

April 15, 2015 - 7:51pm

Robert Goldspn, St. Louis

One of my art teachers, and an all time favorite teacher of mine. My mother, Barbara Goldson, commissioned a set of sunflower plates from Nick for my wife and I at at the time of our marriage, 18 years ago. We still have and use the set of four plates for our four family. I know his family will miss him dearly. He was a wonderful teacher and a great kind soul.

April 16, 2015 - 11:40am

Carol Goudey, Salem ma

Such sadness and a terrible loss for the island. Nick was gentle and kind and wonderful storyteller. A truly great man. To Nina and family my heart goes out to you all. I will keep you in my prayers.

May 4, 2015 - 7:45pm

jeannie mcintosh, vineyard haven

so much talent! And such a gracious man. Privileged to own some of his pieces.

April 16, 2015 - 4:05pm

Toby Hurd, Quincy, MA

I am so sorry to hear about Nick. To Nina and all of the family may I just send my best wishes and say he will be missed. As a teacher he was exceptional as a friend he was even better.

April 16, 2015 - 7:38pm

Sam Otis, Wenham, MA

A wonderfully kind person who gave to others and shared goodwill and support to family and friends. Sharing his artistry, he taught several generations over several decades. His gentle, creative mark has been bestowed freely on many of us and he will always be remembered and held close to our hearts.

April 17, 2015 - 2:59pm

Chloe Elsass, Bailey, CO

He was the best art teacher I ever had and I will never forget his vivacious character. He truly inspired greatness from everyone around him, even from me when I was a child at Milton Academy. He made sure we knew that nothing was wrong with the art that we made and that we were special. What an amazing gift to provide for growing children. Now, as a professional artist, I look back on the people who have helped me get to where I am and Nick Thayer was a key player. I will never forget you and thank you so much for keeping magic alive in my heart and for believing in me.

April 20, 2015 - 2:12pm

Sarah Ceglarski, Los Angeles, CA

Mr. Thayer was always one of my favorites at Milton. Kind, patient, and tirelessly committed to helping kids see their potential, express themselves, and grow. His lessons are ones I still carry with me today. Sending love to the whole Thayer family.

April 21, 2015 - 2:19pm

Daniel Wallace, Memphis, TN

I feel blessed that such a kind and decent man was such an integral part of my time at Milton. Thank you and my thoughts are with the Thayer family.

April 21, 2015 - 3:39pm

Kate O'Neill, San Francisco, CA

Mr. Thayer's art class was a burst of sunshine throughout my time at Milton Academy's Lower School. He was a beloved and wonderful teacher, so kind, so fun. He brought magic to all of his students. Sending love to his family.

April 21, 2015 - 4:17pm

Edwin Fredie, Venice, California

Nick Thayer was an extraordinary teacher, artist, and colleague at Milton Academy. Our school and the lives of our students were enriched by your gentle perspective, Your contribution to the goodness and beauty in life will be missed both in the world of education and the humanities.

April 21, 2015 - 6:05pm

Armen Sarkis, London, UK

Mr Thayer was an incredible role-model and artist. As Faulkner Dorm parents, the Thayer's always looked after their 17 additional children with the same love, respect for individuality and acceptance of the errors that all kids make. The fond memories that all Faulkner boys have - from the wild drawings that Nick would make on the nightly dorm check in list to the weekends where he invited us out to Martha's Vineyard - will live on in all of hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nina and the rest of the Thayer family. - Armen

April 21, 2015 - 6:37pm

Tracy Driscoll, Boston

Our hearts are heavy and send love to the beautiful Thayer family.

April 21, 2015 - 9:41pm

Julia Schwartz, New Orleans

Mr. Thayer made us love art. I still remember my first class with him, and how hard he made us laugh. Scissors will always be "skissors." I was completely in awe of what he was able to do. He 110% understood kids, and I'll always admire him for that. Such a unique and wonderful person.

April 22, 2015 - 10:46pm

Scott Tucker , Washington DC

Deeply sorry to hear this. Love to all the Thayers

April 23, 2015 - 11:57pm

Steve, MA

I was a student of Mr. Thayer's and I remember him so clearly to this day. He was a truly inspiring teacher and a wonderfully kind and funny person.

April 27, 2015 - 4:15pm

Bob Gilpin, Vineyard Haven

We all have memories warehoused haphazardly, crazy collections that pour out when triggered by some unlikely fragrance, sound or random event. Nick Thayer gave that jumble shape, at least for our family as for many others, and, by so doing, he also created in all of us a cache of Nick Thayer memories. His wonderful bowls have been our family's daily breakfast bowls, filled as they are with pictures of our especial keepsakes. With every use, they also remind us of the artist. Thank you, Nick.

May 30, 2015 - 11:20am

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Nicholas Thayer, 63

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