WHEREAS, John Garland Thayer of Gary, Tennessee, a longtime resident of Washington County who dedicated his life to others as an educator, pastor, and cofounder of what would become People, Inc., died on March 30, 2015; and

WHEREAS, John Thayer earned a bachelor's degree from Berea College and a master's degree from East Tennessee State University; he also graduated from the Boston University School of Theology and the American Institute of Holistic Theology; and

WHEREAS, enjoying a long and fulfilling career in education, John Thayer served as a principal in Hayter's Gap in Washington County and as dean of Washington College Academy; he later worked as a teacher or an administrator of public schools in Tennessee until his well-earned retirement from education in 1994; and

WHEREAS, beginning in 1987, John Thayer provided sound spiritual guidance as a minister with the United Methodist Church; he led several congregations in the Commonwealth and Tennessee before becoming visitation minister of First United Methodist Church in Johnson City, Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, John Thayer was the cofounder of Progressive Community Club, now known as People, Inc.; the organization helps individuals with special needs integrate into society and achieve their full potential; and

WHEREAS, John Thayer worked to strengthen and enhance the community as a longtime Ruritan Club member and Kiwanian; he also took a special interest in supporting youth groups, including Mowglis Summer Camp for Boys, 4-H, and the Boy Scouts of America; and

WHEREAS, John Thayer will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Jean; children, Travis, Trygve, Laura, and David, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of John Garland Thayer, an accomplished educator, spiritual leader, and cofounder of People, Inc.; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of John Garland Thayer as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.