B. Lars Thane, 91, passed away on Oct. 10, 2019.  He was born on June 18, 1928 in Wells, Minn., of parents who had emigrated from Norway.  His father was a physician who died when Lars was young.  After his father’s death, he and his mother went back to Norway where he grew up. When he was 18, he returned to the U.S.  He served in the U.S. Army, 11th Airborne Division in Japan from 1946-48.

Lars began his career with Skandinavian Airlines in New York City in the late 40s during the early years of transatlantic aviation.  In 1952, he joined V.H. Monette & Company and was in sales in Europe.  In his 30s he returned to the U.S. as vice president and commissary sales manager for V.H. Monette, and later rose to vice president of international sales with Hershey Foods in Hershey, Pa. He was founder and president of Metro-Marketing, and in his later years served as a private international consultant (Thane International) for numerous European manufacturers looking to expand business in the U.S. market.

For many years when not working, he could be found at the family’s beautiful country estate overlooking the James River at Morgart’s Beach.  He led an incredible and fascinating life, and traveled all over the world.  His last years were spent in Newport News at the Windward Towers on the James River.

He is survived by his three children, Lars Thane of Palm Springs, Calf., Tiffanie Henderson (Johnny) of Smithfield and Heidi Asbell (Thomas) of Newport News; and three grandchildren, Brandon, Olivia and Rebecca.

At his request, there will be no funeral services, and his body will be donated to medical science.