Thaddeus Richard Lightfoot of Plymouth, MN passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 14, 2020. Public service is not just a way of life, it is a way to live life fully. And ‘full of life’ is exactly how Thaddeus Richard Lightfoot would enjoy being remembered. Born on May 17, 1960, Thad’s prowess and dedication to the law were just some of the gifts he shared during his life – both as an incredibly talented environmental attorney and partner at Dorsey & Whitney LLP, and as a trusted, well-respected pro-bono legal advisor to his community.
Thad’s enthusiasm for learning was evident in school, graduating summa cum laude from Gonzaga University and magna cum laude from Georgetown Law School. And he loved sharing that gift of knowledge as an Adjunct Professor at the Mitchell Hamline and University of Minnesota Schools of Law.
A man who needed no microphone, Thad often shared his basso profundo voice while reading from the lectern at church on Sundays. Those same vocal talents were also used to announce home basketball and lacrosse games for the Armstrong High School Falcons.
As a voracious reader, Thad was a life-long student of history, cooking, and cultures – all passions he shared with his wife, family, and his league of extraordinary friends. Divulging a timely one-liner or hilariously dry joke was one of his greatest gifts, or at least he’d have you think so.
Sixty years is hardly what we would call a full life. But Thad never wasted a moment of it or took it for granted. He lived to serve, and our lives are full because of the gifts he shared. Now, whenever the summer sun sets on Lake Minnetonka, we’ll look for the rising smoke of a fine cigar on the boats that pass by and listen for his bass-filled laughter among the calls of the loons.
Thad is survived by Susan Lightfoot, his incredibly loving and supportive wife of 32 years, who loved him unconditionally, and his twin sons Daniel (Brenna) and Christopher (Courtney) Lightfoot.
A private memorial service will be held at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church of Plymouth Wed. Dec. 23 at 10 AM. To live stream the service, please follow this link which will be available prior to start of Wednesday's service.
https://www.facebook.com/MOPLYCHURCH
( On Mt. Olivet's FB page, please scroll down to 'live video')
Those who wish to pay their respects in person may do so from the Mt. Olivet parking lot from their cars during an outdoor recessional from the Mt. Olivet sanctuary to their cemetery immediately following the service, (10:45).
Please consider sharing stories and memories of Thad by sending notes, photos or video messages to
[email protected]
. Written correspondence can be addressed to the Lightfoot Family in the care of the Gearty-Delmore Funeral Home; 15800 37
th
Avenue North, Plymouth, MN 55446.
Thad loved sharing his gift of cooking. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to World Central Kitchen -
https://wck.org/
.
