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MAYVILLE - Steven J. Thayer, 53, of 106 South Erie St., Mayville, died Monday (June 15, 2009), in Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk, N.Y., following an auto accident.

He was born Jan. 25, 1956 in Jamestown, N.Y., the son of the late William and Nancy Whittle Thayer.

Steven learned the trade of laying carpet at the age of 18, and made a lifelong career as a self-employed carpet layer. He was very well known around the area for his expertise in carpet laying. He belonged to the Sons of the American Le-gion 1286 in Lakewood. Steven was an artist, he en-joyed boating, and was an avid fisherman. He took great pleasure in listening and dancing to blues and classic rock music. Steven spent his time with his fam-ily and friends, who he loved endlessly. He was passionate about life and lived it to its fullest.

He is survived by his companion of 15 years, Wanda Miller of Mayville; six children: LisaMaree L. Emory of Clymer, Joseph J. Thayer, Stacy D. Thayer, Betsy Sue Thayer, Stephanie E. Thayer, and James M. Thayer, all of Jamestown; ten grandchil-dren: Shyann, Tanisha, Austin, Jordan, Kimberly, Mackenzie, Dylan, Shalysa, Gaven, and Spencer; three sisters: Suzanne Thayer of Las Vegas, Katharine "Blanche" Milliman of Mayville, and Peggy Young of Rutland, Vt.; two brothers: William Thayer of Las Vegas, and Jack Thayer of Westfield.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Katha-rine "Gogi" Whittle, and a granddaughter, Anastasia Dallas Colon.

The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Freay Funeral Home, Mayville. Pastor Rick Maas will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Fri-day and from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday prior to the ser-vice.

Memorials may be made to Steve's family, c/o Freay Funeral Home, 139 S. Erie St., Mayville, NY 14757.