MR. WILLIAM BRUCE (BILL) THAYER
FIRST BANQUET SPEAKER
Bill was born in a small town in southeastern Colorado (Las
Animas) in 1936. He lived there until he graduated from Bent
County High School and left to attend college. After one year of
college Bill decided that he was not sure what he wanted to do
with the rest of his life. He dropped out of school and enlisted in
the Navy. Their aptitude tests determined that he was suited to
be a Hospital Corpsman/Combat Medic. After his training Bill
found that they were right because he loved his job and felt that
he had found his niche in life. Bill continued to serve for 20
years and retired as a Chief Hospital Corpsman.
During Bill’s Naval career he married his wife, Mary, and he says
that is probably the best thing he ever did. She is still with him
and he says she has been the anchor that has kept him safe and
sane through all his trials. After Bill’s naval career he worked as
an industrial nurse for a major manufacturing company. They
moved their facility to another state so he changed professions
and became a Kitchen Designer for Home Depot. After 14 ½
years he lost his vision and was forced to retire.
Bill attended Cris Cole Rehabilitation Center in Austin, Texas
where he received in-depth training for the blind. He then had
guide dog training at Pilot Dogs Inc. in Columbus, Ohio and
received his guide dog, ‘Vance”. Bill continued his schooling
and became a Licensed Massage Therapist
At the age of 74, Bill again retired this time due to his health. He
is now spending his time enjoying life with his wife of 50 years.
He is active with the Blinded Veterans Association and working
to help other blind/visually impaired people adjust to their
blindness.