John Thatcher, a soft-spoken career employee at Juniper Systems who prided himself in helping others and delighted in the birds in the air and the bugs on the ground, passed away in February. He was 66.
A 22-year veteran of Juniper Systems, Thatcher built a reputation on positivity and tact. He finished his career in November 2018 as a repair center manager.
“I’ve never known Juniper Systems without John Thatcher,” CEO DeVon Labrum said. “John had a keen desire and ability to take care of customers and employees with trust, love, respect, and support. He had success because of the way he lived every day. It wasn’t a front – it was who he was.”
Employees at Juniper Systems remembered Thatcher as a respected professional and friend who took pride in his role as a product support technician. He built an encyclopedic knowledge of the company and its products from decades of work.
For some at work, Thatcher was like a member of their family.
“He was available and willing to help,” said customer service administrative assistant Beckie Caverhill, who referenced Thatcher’s fatherly mentorship. “He never once told me he didn’t have time to listen. John had expectations for us to do the job. And when we did, he generously handed out praise. I will miss John.”
Juniper Systems hired Thatcher as an electronic repair technician in 1996. At that point, the company was a spunky startup called HarvestMaster that focused on data collection and measurement solutions for the seed research industry. Thatcher grew as the company grew – and he advanced from one position and title to the next. He worked as a senior repair technician, lead repair technician, repairs manager and trainer, and finally as the HarvestMaster field support engineer.
The common thread between his many positions, director of customer service Harlyn Oman said, was his inclination and expertise for helping people solve problems.
“John left a lasting impression on customers because he was able and willing to help them solve their problems at a critical time,” said Keith Hunt, HarvestMaster’s director of sales and business development. “John was easy going and didn’t get frustrated. He was good about stepping people through the troubleshooting process. I have had many customers ask if John still worked for the company and to tell him hello.”
“I always knew if I had a question regarding products or how to handle a customer service situation – John would have the answer,” Labrum said.
Thatcher had a reputation as attentive and gentle to “God’s creations,” Labrum added. He helped erect a birdhouse in wetlands adjacent to Juniper Systems’ campus where at lunch he would read books and birdwatch.
“I think he knew every bird there has ever been on this planet,” Oman said. “His face just lit up when he talked about rare birds, spiders, and other animals.”
Thatcher often biked to work to help with air quality and longed to be outside exploring Cache Valley.
Juniper Systems subscribes to 15 maxims, or values. Thatcher exemplified those values, Labrum and Hunt both said. “We serve our customers and fellow employees with trust, love, respect, and active support, and expect the same in return,” the first maxim states.
“Someday when I’m on the other side, I want to share an apple fritter with John and ask him about the bike trails he’s found,” Caverhill said.