AUGUSTA – Henry Charles Thacher, M.D., of Manchester, pediatrician, sportsman and philanthropist, died Tuesday, May 22, at the Maine Veterans’ Home.

He was born in Boston, April 6, 1910, the son of Louis Bartlett and Delia (Tudor) Thacher. He grew up on Cape Cod and in New Hampshire, and was a graduate of Milton Academy. He received his undergraduate degree from Harvard and his medical degree from McGill University Medical School.

While training in Hartford, Conn., to become a pediatrician, he entered the U.S. Army Air Corps as a doctor. He served in World War II in Algiers working with the French. He was later recognized by the French government for his work during the war. He had attained the rank of captain when the war ended.

He completed his training as a pediatrician when he returned from the war. He then started practicing in the Auburn area, where he remained for 32 years. Under the administration of Governor Longley, he was appointed commissioner for the aged for a two year period. At the age of 62, he became a fellow and received additional training in allergy medicine. He was then qualified as a pediatric and adult allergist and practiced in the Augusta area, until his retirement at the age of 72.

In his retirement, he enjoyed sailing on the ocean, golfing, tennis, walking, dancing and staying physically fit. He also devoted much of his time to philanthropic endeavors, donating both land and funds to many causes. He attended the Manchester Community Church, was involved with the Kennebec Land Trust and was a supporter of Common Cause. He had also gotten involved in playing bridge at the Cohen Community Center.

Most recently, he was honored by the Maine Pediatric Society for his service to the children of Maine.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothea Thacher; two daughters, Sarah Ann Thacher of Freeport and Poppi Arford, and her husband, Loren, of Brunswick; two stepsons, David Sutherland Flanders of Manchester and Scott Daniel Flanders of South Portland; and four grandchildren, Katherine and Hannah Thacher and Elizabeth and Jesse Arford.

His family would like to thank the caregivers at the Maine Veterans’ Home for the help and support they have provided.