Obituary of Anthony Edwin Thein

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Edwin and Anna Thein. He was bright, inquisitive and an avid reader even as a young child. His desire for learning was encouraged by the Jesuits of Marquette High School for whom he had a lifelong affection and appreciation.

He was stationed at Fort Lawton during WWII. After discharge from the military, he became a newspaperman, eventually the editor of the Trenton Times in Trenton, N.J.

In 1959, he left that job because he’d always wanted to return to Seattle. He and mom packed up five young children and drove cross-country in a Chevy wagon. This was before the Interstate Highway System was built.

No work was available at local newspapers so he became a speechwriter for Governor Al Rosellini and thus began his new career in public relations. Early clients were Alaska Airlines, Seattle University, Westours and Holland America Lines.

He and his partner Gene Ford created Ford-Thein, Inc. in Seattle, working with diverse clients on large and small projects. He managed and won many political campaigns for local and national office seekers.

He is predeceased by his wife Gloria, mother of his children, and his wife Clara with whom he lived in Florida and South Carolina. He is also predeceased by his son Christopher and two infant daughters.

He is survived by his children Barbara (Hepfer), Stephen, Matthew, Hilary and Peter.

Grandchildren Morgan, Christopher, Nichole, Hannah, Benjamin, Henry and Eva.

Great Grandchildren Breydan, Chloe, Finley and Xavier.

Internment at Gethsemane Cemetery in Federal Way, WA