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.