1. Early Life and Education:
- Born on February 2, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Graduated from Yale University in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in American History.
2. Military Service:
- Served in the United States Navy from 1952 to 1954.
- Stationed in Bermuda and served as a Communications Officer.
3. Business Career:
- Founded Thayer Lodging Group in 1957.
- Grew the company from a single hotel in Hampton, Virginia, to a chain of over 50 hotels nationwide.
- Served as President and CEO of the Thayer Lodging Group for several decades.
4. Philanthropy:
- Known for his philanthropic contributions, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and the arts.
- Established the Jack and Ann Thayer Charitable Foundation in 1984.
- Supported numerous organizations, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Curtis Institute of Music, and the University of Pennsylvania.
5. Conservation Efforts:
- Deeply committed to environmental conservation.
- Owned and managed several large tracts of land in the United States and Canada, where he implemented sustainable forestry and conservation practices.
6. Honors and Recognition:
- Received numerous awards for his contributions to business, philanthropy, and conservation.
- Inducted into the Virginia Hospitality & Travel Hall of Fame in 1998.
- Recognized by the National Audubon Society for his conservation efforts in 1999.
7. Legacy:
- Remembered as a successful businessman, generous philanthropist, and passionate conservationist.
- Passed away on June 24, 2019, at the age of 90.
- His impact on business, philanthropy, and conservation continues to be felt through the numerous institutions and organizations he supported throughout his life.