Honoring A Contagious Laugh, A Friend to All

"Wyatt was everything you could ask for in a fraternity brother," said Daniel Reed, a chapter adviser. "He was energetic, kind and hilarious.

"Wyatt was always the funniest person in the room and had the most distinct laugh imaginable. His energy was contagious and unforgettable."

To honor Thistle, his Ole Miss fraternity has contributed $108,000 to establish the Wyatt James Thistle Endowment, which will fund an annual scholarship for a sophomore member who exemplifies his traits.

"We wanted to honor Wyatt because he was the type of guy who celebrated people for just being themselves," said Ellis Bates, of Ridgeland, Phi Delta Theta president. "He was such a happy person; Wyatt never had a sad look on his face.

"Wyatt had this contagious laugh that brought others to join in with him. A lot of our members have quoted 'laugh like Thistle' because it was so beautiful."

Thistle's mom, Kate Strause, expressed gratitude for the scholarship endowment.

"I personally believe that Wyatt was the best human, and knowing this scholarship is in place means he left a huge mark on his Phi Delt brothers and the school," she said. "Future students of Ole Miss will be able to learn about him a little each year, and that brings a very special sense of peace in this extremely dark time for me.

"Wyatt was the best of the best. The best son, cousin, grandson and, most of all, best friend to all. Since his death, I have received thousands of notes, texts, letters, messages and calls from his best friends, making sure I am OK, telling me how important he was in their lives. They share stories of his laughter, kindness, hugs and overall love he had for them, and they had for him."

The chapter presents eight awards annually in honor of members who've died, Reed said.

"Many of these awards are scholarships that allow us to give financial aid to the best members in the chapter," he said. "They also ensure the brothers we lost too soon are never forgotten. After we lost Wyatt, we knew we wanted him to have the same legacy in our chapter.

"The Wyatt James Thistle Endowment will be our largest scholarship each year. His scholarship will financially support students for generations while ensuring Wyatt's values and spirit continue to influence others just as he did," the chapter adviser said.

Thistle, a high school basketball and football player, was passionate about sports, travel, dancing, running, hunting and ranch life. His mother always described it as "the fabulous life of Wyatt Thistle."

Phi Delta Theta hosted its third annual pickleball tournament at Oxford's Avent Park recently to support the endowment.

"We are proud to share the tournament raised over $22,000 for the endowment," said Wilson Eatherly, of Ridgeland, the chapter's philanthropy chair. "We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors, players and supporters who helped us get one step closer to achieving our goal. Their generosity and participation continue to keep Wyatt's legacy alive."

To make a gift to the Wyatt James Thistle Endowment, send a check with the fund's name written in the memo line to the University of Mississippi Foundation, 406 University Ave., Oxford, MS 38655, or give online here.

Top: Wyatt Thistle made an impact on the university and its chapter of Phi Delta Theta fraternity before his death earlier this year in a boating accident. His fraternity is paying tribute to Thistle's life and legacy with an endowed scholarship in his name. Submitted photo