Innocence, unselfishness and warmth: the words used to describe the late Dave Thomas during a memorial service for the founder of the international fast-food chain Wendy’s held this morning at the Upper Arlington Lutheran Church.
The atmosphere could only be described as somber during the ceremony as both friends and family, including Mayor Michael Coleman and Thomas’s five children, came to celebrate the life of one of America’s greatest success stories, both in his professional life as well as his personal endeavors.
To give the eulogies on Thomas were four of his closest friends that included Jack Schuessler, Chairman and CEO of Wendy’s, Rick Richards, President of KDR Capital; Dr. Michael Chizner, cardiologist and Denny Lynch, Vice President of Communications.
Richards, who spoke about the executive side of Thomas, talked about the numerous other businesses that Thomas was involved in, including photo labs and a shoe store, and the success that he had in any avenue he went after.
Richards also gave his reasoning on the success that Thomas enjoyed and the respect that his employees had for him. “Dave didn’t care about stock prices and he didn’t call every day to see the price that his company was selling for,” said Richards, “what he did care about were the solid sales numbers and more importantly the employees.”
Richards also went on to explain what being employed by Thomas was like. “Working for Dave was so easy,” said Richards, “he always did everything right.”
Chizner also talked highly of Thomas, concentrating on his personal achievements. Thomas, who himself was adopted, relentlessly pushed for better adoption and foster-care policies. He also had a great love for his family, said Chizner, calling Thomas “a gentle giant” who was always humble and sensitive.
Dr. Larry L. Thompson, the pastor presiding over the ceremony and close friend to Thomas, gave a moving memorial message that summed up Thomas’s life. He spoke about how Thomas took the road less traveled and became the success he was.
Thompson also talked about Thomas’s personality and called him his mentor that taught him so much. “Dave had a unique ability to make all of us feel like we were his best friends,” said Thompson, “he was the greatest man I ever met, I love him and shall miss him greatly.”
Thomas died at the age of 69 from liver cancer early Tuesday morning at his home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
