Sunrise February 4, 1939 – Sunset May 14, 2025
William “Bill” C. Thomas passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025, in St. Paul, Minnesota, at the age of 86. Born in Chicago, he spent much of his professional life in Minnesota — and retired in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
A leader in human resources and labor relations, Bill served in key roles at Sealy, Honeywell, and the University of Minnesota — where he was associate VP of Human Resources, and Associate VP of Finance and Operations before his retirement in 1989. Known for his fair and pragmatic approach, he was a respected chief negotiator. He was a senior partner at BTW Associates, advising Fortune 500 companies nationwide. Active in civic life, Bill served as president of the Minnesota State Affirmative Action Association, was a board member at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, and taught at St. Thomas College. He authored articles on management, and wrote passionately about African American history — including the legacy of Black cowboys. In the 1980s, he hosted the NAACP Forum on KSTP-TV.
Bill earned degrees from Crane Junior College and Northeastern Illinois University and completed the PMD program at Harvard Business School. He loved boating, RV travel, fishing, westerns (film), and spending time with family. Bill is remembered for his intellect, humor, and larger-than-life personality.
He is survived by his wife, Joan Marie, son, stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters and many extended family members.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the Humphrey Institute, 301 19th Avenue South, on the West Bank of the University of Minnesota’s Minneapolis campus, in the Humphrey Forum, Room 105, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM (Program will take place at 12:00-12:45 p.m.). Family, friends, and colleagues are warmly invited to honor his memory and legacy.
Memorial donations may be made to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) in his honor.