Thayne Foster Symmes
March 17, 1920 ~ September 21, 2018
DANVERS- Thayne Foster Symmes, 98, passed away on Friday, September 21, 2018, at Rosewood Rehabilitation Center in Peabody. He was the devoted husband of the late Karin (Hurd) Symmes, with whom he shared over 70 years of marriage.
Born in Marblehead on March 17, 1920, he was the son of Charles Atwood and Abbie Melissa (Southard) Symmes. He was raised and educated in Danvers and graduated from Holten High School, where he led the school band.
Thayne was a member of the Amity Mosaic Masonic Lodge in Danvers, and had recently earned his 70 year pin. He was also a founder of the Danvers Chapter of the Order of DeMolay, and was a Dad Advisor for many years. He and Karin were active members of the Couples Club at Calvary Episcopal Church, and Presidents of the Shindiggers Square Dancing group.
He retired as a Test Engineer in the Aircraft Engine Division, GE in Lynn, after more than 40 years. He and Karin then moved to their summer property in Essex, where they were active in the Senior Center, and longtime volunteers at Coolidge Hall at the Topsfield Fair.
He is survived by his children, Susan Emerson of South Portland ME, Linda Monagle of York ME, Bruce Symmes and his wife Cathy of Danvers, and Keith Symmes and his wife Faith of Essex, and daughter-in-law, Sally Symmes of Danvers; his grandchildren, Erik and Brian Emerson and Laurel Peterson; Melissa West, Matthew Symmes and Rebecca Lee; Dennis, Julie, and Madeline Monagle; Amanda, Katie, and Jason Symmes and Meghan Beaulieu; Jessica Bowen, Jenny Johnson, and Judson Symmes; 24 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son David Symmes, and son-in-law, Randolph Emerson, and his siblings, Helen Love, Hazel Coleman, Gwendolyn Melanson, and Laurence and Donald Symmes.
His funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at All Saints Episcopal Church, Danvers. Burial is private. Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at C.R. Lyons & Sons, 28 Elm St, Danvers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Thayne’s name to All Saints Episcopal Church, 46 Cherry St, Danvers, MA 01923, or American Heart Assoc., 300 5th Ave, Waltham MA 02451.
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Sending my love to all and holding Thayne in my heart with deep gratitude for having got to know him and the beautiful legacy of your wonderful family! ~ Dianne Chalifour
I had the distinct pleasure of knowing Wor. Thayne Symmes, and that covered a few years. Thayne was a beacon at the Past Masters Night, and always me scratch my head and try to figure out how he performed so well even when he was not feeling that well . He is with His Creator and in a peaceful abode. God Bless !
Wor Robert A. Melloni Amity-Mosaic Lodge
I never personally met Mr. Symmrs however know the Symmes name has been so well thought of in Danvers. Watching the video of Mr. Symmes and his extensive family provides a look of the legacy he has left to carry on his good works. My condolences to the family. Surely his presence will be missed.
Our condolences over the loss of your father-in-law you are in our thoughts and prayers love Mike and Mary
Thayne was quite the man. He had a fairly large family, but invested his time in the community. Giving himself to Amity Lodge, and beginning and fostering the growth of the Danvers Chapter of DeMolay. I got to know him while I was active in DeMolay in the late 50’s. I got to know his family and visit his camp in Essex over the course of several years. He was a real nice gentleman and an inspiration to me. He will be missed on this planet. RIP Thayne. Charlie Blute