Edward Lewis Thayer

Edward L. Thayer, of Lake Placid, Florida, peacefully went home to be with his Savior on February 15, 2026. He was 88 years old.

Born on April 1, 1937, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Edward was the son of the late Charles E. Thayer and Edith C. (Gilbert) Thayer of Swansea, Massachusetts. He graduated from Joseph Case High School in 1955 and soon after answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1957 as an airborne radio operator stationed in Europe. He carried a strong sense of duty and quiet honor in all he did.

After completing his military service, Edward began his professional career with Remington Rand / Univac, marking the start of a lifelong journey in the emerging field of computer technology.

On May 12, 1962, Edward married the love of his life, Winifred A. Thayer (Broadhurst), beginning a lifelong journey of devotion, partnership, and faithfulness. His love for his family was steady, sacrificial, and deeply rooted in commitment and care.

Edward built a remarkable career beginning in the late 1950s as a Computer Specialist and Software Engineer, working with Univac, Honeywell, Computer Library Systems, and most recently Aries Computer Systems, until his retirement in 2003. He approached his work with excellence, humility, and gratitude.

As Edward journeyed through life, his love for the Lord grew strong and steady. His faith became the foundation of who he was and how he lived. He had a heart for evangelism and a deep desire for others to know Jesus. For over 25 years, he was an active member of North Uxbridge Baptist Church in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, where he faithfully served as treasurer, trustee, and deacon. He was also a former member of the Church of the Nazarene in Uxbridge. After moving to Lake Placid in 2003, he became a member of First Baptist Church of Lake Placid and later First Presbyterian Church of Lake Placid, where he continued to worship and serve.

One of Edward’s favorite hymns was “It Is Well With My Soul,” a reflection of the peace he carried through life and now fully knows in Heaven.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Ann B. Heaton of Swansea, Massachusetts.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Winifred A. Thayer (Broadhurst) of Lake Placid, Florida; his daughters, Alice Legg (Robert Legg) of Uxbridge, Massachusetts, and Deborah McLain (Charles McLain) of Bakersville, North Carolina; his grandchildren, Travis Clark (Danielle Clark), Sarah McDonnell (Shaun McDonnell), Jonathan McLain, and Michelle Fernando-Mendes (Arthur Fernando-Mendes); and his great-grandson, Sebastian Clark.

Those who knew Edward will remember his gentle spirit, steady wisdom, servant’s heart, and unwavering faith. He was known for cheerfully asking others, “Are you blessed by the Best?”—a simple question that reflected his deep love for Jesus and his desire to point others toward Him. His life quietly pointed others to Christ, and his legacy will continue through all who were touched by his love and testimony.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Lake Placid First Presbyterian Church. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor Edward’s life, faith, and the legacy of love he leaves behind.