Robert Dudley Thum ’39

A FAMILY MAN of many talents and wideranging interests, Bob died of heart failure Mar. 10, 1992, while visiting his son Robert '67 in Berkeley, Calif.

Bob and Mildred, his wife of 50 years, moved to Dorset, Vt., from Cleveland in 1976. In retirement Bob served as chairman of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and as Dorset selectman, for six years. For ten years he wrote a weekly column for the Bennington BANNER and organized a black powder shooting club. His pet project was Hildene, summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, in Manchester. He was instrumental in its purchase and refurbishing. Now on the Historic Register, its doors opened to the public in 1978. Bob served as vicechairman on the board of trustees and as a tour guide and regularly played the Aeolian pipe organ for visitors, weddings, and special occasions.

Bob flew P61 night fighters in the Pacific. Since then he found much pleasure and satisfaction in pursuing his interest in aviation and love of flying.

Bob's eldest son, Lt. Richard C., was killed in action in Vietnam in 1968. Five other sons survive. To them and to Mildred, we offer our deepest sympathy and share a keen sense of loss as we remember our old friend.

The Class of 1939