Thad P. Collum's Obituary
Thad P. Collum was born in Syracuse, New York on January 4, 1931, to Anne Boshart Collum and Thad L.Collum. He graduated from the Mercersburg Academy and attended Cornell University both before and after serving in the United States Navy during the Korean War.
Thad has been married to the former Barbara Murray since 1958. They have four children - Deborah, Thad (Susan), Douglas, and Sarah (Charlie Hatfield) and seven grandchildren.
Thad’s professional life was spent at Collum Acoustical Co. and Henderson Johnson Co. , two interior systems contracting companies which merged in the mid-seventies. Thad was active as an Officer, a Director and as President of CISCA - Ceilings and Interior Systems Contractors Association - a global trade association. He received CISCA’s highest award for contributions to the industry.
Thad authored a sales and training program for the Acoustical Industry which won the Grand Management Achievement Award of the American Society of Association Executives. As a result, he was invited to teach in South Africa and Russia and to participate and to speak at the World Congress of Acoustical Contractors in Brussels, Belgium.
Of his many civic activities in the Syracuse community a favorite was the Boys Club of Syracuse, where he served as a Director and as President. During his tenure, he chaired the fund drive for a new branch facility which he also helped design and build, and for which in particular, he earned recognition from The Boys Clubs of America and was given The Man and Boy Award.
A lifelong golfer, Thad was a long-term Director of the Syracuse District Golf Association (SDGA) and served two terms as President. The SDGA named Thad Golfer of the Year in 1973 for his contributions to the game.
Thad served as a Director of The Century Club of Syracuse; as a Director and President of Onondaga Golf and Country Club; as a Trustee and President of the Adirondack League Club; as a Director and President of the Adirondack Park Institute and as a Trustee of Paul Smith’s College.
Thad was a passionate storyteller, fisherman and golfer. He captivated all ages with his tales, loved to serve fresh caught fish for breakfast and just last week claimed to have perfected the A swing from his hospital bed.
His greatest love was his wife Barbara. Throughout their 58 years, Thad collected treasures for her that he stowed away -- sometimes for years, to present at the perfect time.
His life was full of great friendships and children he called his own, some related, some not. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.
A celebration of his life will be held in the Adirondacks next Summer.
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