Thaddeus
Dandridge Suits |
Aiken. SC – Thaddeus Dandridge Suits, 83, of Aiken, died March 25, 2011, of congestive heart failure. Suits was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1927. He was the son of Hollis Emerson Suits and Dorothy Halyburton Suits. He attended the University of Chicago and studied art at Washington University in St. Louis (working under Philip Guston and German Expressionist Max Beckmann), and the University of Georgia. He received a BFA degree in Art at the University of Georgia and later earned an MA degree in Art at the University of Missouri at Columbia. He taught art, art history, and interdisciplinary studies at the University of Georgia (1952-1957), Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri (1957-1965), and Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin (1965-1976). His drawings and paintings were exhibited widely and drew the favorable attention of numerous artists and critics including writers for the New Yorker magazine and the Paris art journal, La Revue Moderne. At Stephens College, he was a founding member and president of the first chapter of the American Association of University Professors at that college. At Beloit College, he served as head of the Porter Scholars Honor Program, developing and teaching interdisciplinary courses for selected students. He also was a founding member and president of the Upper Midwest Honors Council, an association of honors programs from six states. From 1976 to 1987, he was the Education Director for the Southern Michigan News Company in Lansing, Michigan, a national wholesaler of paperback books for high schools and universities. He was a member of the Lansing Schools Superintendent’s Council and the Michigan Reading Association where he was active in promoting reading in the area elementary and secondary schools. In 1987, Mr. Suits became interested in computer graphics and, after moving to Aiken, South Carolina, worked as a Graphic Designer for the Westinghouse Savannah River Company. He also explored the use of computer graphics in his personal art, along with his continuing use of traditional painting techniques. He continued to participate in regional and national art exhibitions. He was widely read in the areas of art history, cultural history, philosophy and science. He is survived by his wife, Joan Allen Suits of Aiken; four daughters, one son and six grandchildren. |
Our dear Thad passed away at 12:16 today. Most quiet and smooth and wonderful passing it was. More later. Mom, Hospice Nurse, Mary (sister in law) and I were present. Beautiful spring day, 72 degrees, dogwood and azaleas in full bloom. Mom is taking it very well thus far. Thank you for all your good wishes these last few months. And Hank, for the box of fruit, which arrived this morning, thank you. We will enjoy. Julia |
Yes, Thad was so wonderful, brilliant, kind, outgoing, loving, creative. In our marriage we never had a single quarrel. Always it was harmony. I can hardly stand this loss but know that.with time the agony will settle down and only the love for him and our happy days we had together will remain. With Love, Joan |
Julia, Joan and all Suits near and far. Our notions of the world are changed. Thad, the quiet giant is down. Hard to hear and harder to know. Such a beautiful man and life. Our sky is crying today, but Julia's kind report and description leaves a kind of reflective peace to hold and cherish. Your love and presence, no doubt, gave comfort to this remarkable man's passing as did his own so evident inner strength. Joan, you hold so much of Thad's best as do his children, grandkids, brothers and friends. His generosity in life knew few if any limits. Thank you Julia and as you can, share what you wish. You were there for all and especially for Thad at the critical times. I had a premonition upon ordering the Harry and David. Will it be in time? It was in spirit if not in real time. Goodbye dear Thad, you taught us then and show us now. |
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