I'm so glad someone raised this subject...
Was anyone else as bummed out as I was? No, really... For some reason I took this like a major movie star or worse, a major food personality had died!
I got so incredibly moved, I e-mailed Wendy's. Not easy, as their home page did not have an e-mail addy. I called the number and got one from a very nice representative. I then sent this message:
I can't tell you how it broke my heart to hear of Dave Thomas' passing. Even though he represented a huge company, he seemed very down to earth - like someone who could have lived next door.
When I told my daughter that he passed, she exclaimed, "Nobody ever gave him his lunch!" She was referring to the ads where he's racing a car and the other drivers are eating his lunch. I told her "Dave Thomas was a good man who did a lot for adopted people and others. I'm sure he will go straight to heaven where he will be served his lunch."
Again, our condolences to the Wendy's family, both blood and corporate.
Sincerely...
She replied as follows:
Thank you very much for your letter. It is consumers such as you whom Mr. Thomas loved to serve. I have forwarded your letter to the Thomas family, whom all are very grateful. Again, we all appreciate your sympathies and value you as customers. Take care.
I know we only see what ad agencies want us to see...But in my gut, I think he really wasa nice guy.