Richard “Rick” Allen Thayer, 58, of Thompsonville, died Tuesday, May 4, 2010, at
his home. He was born April 23, 1952, in Muskegon the son of Everett and
Elizabeth (Boals) Thayer.
Rick grew up in Acme, where he learned to fish, especially ice fishing and spearing, hunt, and enjoy the outdoors. Rick learned decoy carving from his father and was a renowned spear decoy carver with many decoys going around the world. Decoy carving was a passion that Rick enjoyed greatly.
Richard Thayer hails from Thompsonville, Michigan and was born in 1952.
He started carving fish decoys and some shore bird in the mid 1980s after discovering them in flea markets, then Richard ‘s father showed him how to carve them as he had carved decoys in the 30s and 40s for his own use. Richard became acquainted with Jim Reynolds, a blue ribbon duck decoy carver from Travere City, who showed him a lot about carving. Richard also met George Aho in the mid 80s and had the pleasure of spending many hours with him. Richard said “I bought and sold many of his decoys, a great man and a great carver.
My decoys are all hand carved one at a time and I try to make them so they all are working decoys, sometimes that’s not the case and I do let you know if they are not.” Richard. puts a clear coat on his decoy so they will look like they just came out of the water and this also give it some protection from the elements.
Richard does not belong to any organizations or clubs at this time and the only awards he has received are from his buyers and collectors. Richard also said “I have sold many decoys for years to Ron Frits and John Shoffner who has help me a lot in getting my decoys out in places I could never get to. I work a full time job in the water well field plus my wife and I have a small farm which demands lots of my time.” Richard summarized his carving as “This is a hobby for me, which I enjoy very much.
Obituary: www.terwilligerfuneralhome.com
I personally have enjoyed Richard’s carvings as I purchased several from him and I have one on my conference table that holds my business cards – I will miss him and his contributions to the Fish Decoy world. (Larry Christy)
Information & Photos provides by Richard Thayer 1/06
Photo Courtesy of Richard Thayer and provided by Mike Hale.