At age 10, he was sponsored for membership at the Outrigger Canoe Club by his mentor, Duke Kahanamoku. Thad later served as president and had been a member for 79 years at his passing. He took great pride in having been one of "Duke's Boys", a handful of young paddlers who were coached and guided by Duke.

He served in the military police in Honolulu during World War II, before beginning his career with Nabisco. During those years he was known as the "Cookie Man". Upon retirement after 36 years with Nabisco, he was able to indulge in his love of deep sea fishing on his boat, the Mele O Ke Kai.

Thad is survived by his wife, Patricia, his daughter, Tina Whitney, and his granddaughters, Ysabel and Rachel, as well as his sister, June Snyder.