Deceased November 8, 2015
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In Memory
After wrestling valiantly with lung cancer for two years, Don Thomson succumbed Nov. 8 at home in Solana Beach, Calif. He was 83. His loving wife, Jennifer, notes that up until this illness, Don, a non-smoker, led a most active, healthy life, marked by their numerous travels, a passion for golf and many a good romp with faithful dog Toby.
Don, who was born in Cleveland, came to Amherst after serving four years in the U.S. Navy, much of that time aboard an aircraft carrier on tours taking him around the world. An economics major, Don joined Merrill Lynch upon graduation and proceeded to spend his entire career—31 years—as a finance/banking manager and ultimately vice president, working out of the company’s offices in White Plains, N.Y., and Canton, Ohio, and winding up in Palm Springs, Calif., at retirement.
Jennifer and Don loved their annual trips to the Outer Banks, joined by kids and grandkids for plenty of vigorous hiking and other summertime fun. For relaxation, Don tackled crossword puzzles and kept tabs on the sports scene, most notably the feats (and defeats) of the New York Jets.
Jennifer and Don marked his 80th birthday with a grand trip to Australia. Jennifer says they both remembered with special fondness what would turn out to be their final travel adventure, in celebration of their 30th anniversary: They went to Scotland, where Don’s parents were born, and loved the sights, sounds and people.
Bob Asher ’57