Edward Wayne Thompson

Edward Wayne Thompson left this world on Feb. 16, 2009, to begin his journey along the stars back to the creator’s land, a place of living light where he will be embraced by those who have gone on before.

At Wayne’s request there will be no funeral services. A celebration of his life will be on Feb. 28, 2009, beginning at 11 a.m., at his home in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, (7412 Cassia St.). Family and friends are welcome.

Wayne was born in Washougal, Wash., on Aug. 12, 1935, the son of Alexander and Ella Thompson. His younger years were spent in Spokane, Wash., but he often talked about Peone Prairie and staying with his grandparents.

Wayne was a long-time resident of Sandpoint. He loved working in the woods, but also delivered concrete and at one time managed R & E Payless in Algoma. In the mid-1970s, he and his family worked for Carl May, building portions of the Pacific Crest Trail in the Siskiyou Mountains. There were many fond memories of camping and arrow head hunting on the weekends, and just getting to spend quality time with his children. He also lived and worked in Polson, Mont.; Palmer, Alaska; and Angel’s Camp, Calif.

After returning to Sandpoint in 1989, he went to work for Randy Ross who was not only his employer but a great friend. There was hardly a day Wayne didn’t look forward to work because he enjoyed the camaraderie of the crew and anyone who worked in the woods beside him.

He was known for his practical jokes and quick wit. He had a great love of the outdoors, whether at work; camping; fishing or hunting with his family and friends. It was all the family and friends that made those times special to him. He will be greatly missed by all.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Connie Thompson;  three children, Charlie (Nikki) Thompson in Sagle, Idaho, Debbie (Gordon) DeLong in Anaconda, Mont., and Michael (Kristi) Thompson in Sandpoint, Idaho; four stepchildren, Todd (Sarah) Mitchell in Sagle, Mark (Tammie) Mitchell in Sagle, Ginger (Barry) Bump in Bonners Ferry, and Becky (Greg) Jones in Grey Cliff, Mont.; 19 grandchildren, Larisa (Manuel) Roger in Sagle, Jessica, Samantha and Audra Potter, Tyrel, Jesse and Jared DeLong, Sarah and Travis Thompson, Sophia (Kyle) Baker, Mamie and Adrian Mitchell, Kayla and Mark Mitchell, Jaylee and Haylee Ludolph, Tona Yates, and Cassie and Lexie Jones; and four great-grandchildren, Nolan Angell, Cort Bollom, Abigail Baker, Gabriel J. Wayne Roger. Also surviving are two siblings, Jerry (Glenda) Thompson in Spokane, Wash., and Ann (Chuck) Wilkinson in Provo, Utah; several nieces and nephews; and his aunt, Hattie (Glen) Long of Sagle.