Ellwood F. (Fred) Thum, III of Gold Canyon, AZ went home to the Lord on Saturday, August 15. He lived life well and fully to the very end. Friends and family will miss his feisty spirit, easy smile, love of a good conversation, master grilling skills, ingenious problem-solving, and most of all his ability to build and fix anything—a gift he freely shared and taught to others.
Fred passionately pursued many hobbies through the years, but especially loved sailing with his family on the Chesapeake Bay and racing his Cobra in SCCA events. After retirement he and his wife, Barbara, traveled the country in their RV, taking trips they’d dreamed of for years. Along the way they made many friends, volunteered on numerous Habitat for Humanity builds, and finally settled in Gold Canyon. In recent years, Fred became a master woodworker and was at his happiest in the woodshop with his friends—working on a project, teaching and keeping everything in tip-top shape.
Fred is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara (Weiland), daughter and son-in-law, Kelli (Thum) and Daniel Regan, daughter Kristi Thum, sister Dorothea (Thum) Hartmann, grandchildren Codi Regan and Connor Regan, niece Tiffany (Hartmann) DuPre and nephew Craig Hartmann.
Fred resided in Delanco, NJ for 45 years, and was President and owner of AAC Engineered Systems in Cinnaminson, NJ. He was a member of Beverly Riverside Masonic Lodge #107 and an active member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Burlington.
There will be a private service with family to dedicate him to the Lord. In remembrance, donations can be made to Gold Canyon United Methodist Church, Gold Canyon, AZ (goldcanyonumc.org) or Hillsborough Habitat for Humanity, Tampa, FL (habitathillsborough.org).
Arrangements made by Superstition Cremation & Funeral Services, Apache Junction AZ.
Beautiful words to share with all, the amazing life my brother led with his children and love of his life, Barbara.
There is a spot in my heart that only Fred can fill along with our memories.
Love to my incredible family!
I loved him as a friend brother in law and a brother MASON.He raised a great family and loved them all to no end. I am proud and honor to have him in my life. Rest in peace my brother.
What a remarkable person – Fred taught me so much about business and life – I am grateful for the time I was able to spend with he, Barbara and the whole family.
Thank you Fred, for all you gave to me
What a beautiful tribute to a truly impressive man. We have such good memories of meals shared and lively conversation with Fred! Barbara, Kelli, and Kristi -we are thinking of you and praying for comfort and peace for all of you. No doubt, Fred would like a little humor thrown in, as well. Lots of love to all of you…
We had many wonderful times, great discussions and great memories. Mostly we shared the joy of watching our grandchildren growing into their adult years. RIP Fred
Dear Barbara, I was so sorry to read of Fred’s passing in today’s paper. This week while looking in my phone book for a number, I came across your name and thought how nice it would be to talk to you and catch up. Strange that I should read the news in the paper today.
Dave is 90 and has had dementia now for several years. Hard to watch and remember how he was. He’s being cared for at home so I’m here most of the time.
I hope you are well and if you would like to call, my number is 856-824-9766
I remember you fondly and hope you enjoy living in Arizona.
Terri Moitozo
Dear Barbara, So sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. I bought your beautiful house from you and Fred as you set off on your cross-country RV adventure. I remember Fred telling me in detail and boasting about the beautiful handmade woodwork in the house that he built – something we still enjoy to this day. peace be with you. Matt Bartlett
Dear Barbara, we were very sorry to hear that you’re a wonderful life with Fred had come to a close. We’re sure you made many new friends in your cross country adventures and finally you settled in Arizona. We always enjoyed working with you and Fred at the Ladle of Love at St. Marys in Burlington. Your contributions were always great and always with a smile. We are especially thankful for Fred and his contributions to redoing our old kitchen cabinets. What an improvement he made. May he rest in peace. Don and Pauline Wood
“God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:3,4)
Dear Barb, So sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. Often thought of you 2 out there with your RV. We had such memories at St. Mary’s when we worked at the Ladle or all the gatherings we had. Hope you are well and coping with all this. If your staying out there I wish you the best . Stay well and safe. Sincerly , Marie Johnson
Beautiful words to share with all, the amazing life my brother led with his children and love of his life, Barbara.
There is a spot in my heart that only Fred can fill along with our memories.
Love to my incredible family!
I loved him as a friend brother in law and a brother MASON.He raised a great family and loved them all to no end. I am proud and honor to have him in my life. Rest in peace my brother.
What a remarkable person – Fred taught me so much about business and life – I am grateful for the time I was able to spend with he, Barbara and the whole family.
Thank you Fred, for all you gave to me
What a beautiful tribute to a truly impressive man. We have such good memories of meals shared and lively conversation with Fred! Barbara, Kelli, and Kristi -we are thinking of you and praying for comfort and peace for all of you. No doubt, Fred would like a little humor thrown in, as well. Lots of love to all of you…
We had many wonderful times, great discussions and great memories. Mostly we shared the joy of watching our grandchildren growing into their adult years. RIP Fred
Dear Barbara, I was so sorry to read of Fred’s passing in today’s paper. This week while looking in my phone book for a number, I came across your name and thought how nice it would be to talk to you and catch up. Strange that I should read the news in the paper today.
Dave is 90 and has had dementia now for several years. Hard to watch and remember how he was. He’s being cared for at home so I’m here most of the time.
I hope you are well and if you would like to call, my number is 856-824-9766
I remember you fondly and hope you enjoy living in Arizona.
Terri Moitozo
Dear Barbara, So sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. I bought your beautiful house from you and Fred as you set off on your cross-country RV adventure. I remember Fred telling me in detail and boasting about the beautiful handmade woodwork in the house that he built – something we still enjoy to this day. peace be with you. Matt Bartlett
Dear Barbara, we were very sorry to hear that you’re a wonderful life with Fred had come to a close. We’re sure you made many new friends in your cross country adventures and finally you settled in Arizona. We always enjoyed working with you and Fred at the Ladle of Love at St. Marys in Burlington. Your contributions were always great and always with a smile. We are especially thankful for Fred and his contributions to redoing our old kitchen cabinets. What an improvement he made. May he rest in peace. Don and Pauline Wood
“God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:3,4)
Dear Barb, So sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. Often thought of you 2 out there with your RV. We had such memories at St. Mary’s when we worked at the Ladle or all the gatherings we had. Hope you are well and coping with all this. If your staying out there I wish you the best . Stay well and safe. Sincerly , Marie Johnson