Fred Ludwig Thompson Sr., 64

Longtime Boundary County resident, Fred Ludwig Thompson Sr., 64, passed away on Nov. 3, 2016, in Helena, Mont., after a yearlong battle with brain cancer.

Fred was born Feb. 29, 1952, in Glendale, Calif., to Jack Thompson and Mary Elizabeth Thompson; he was the youngest of four children. He often spoke fondly of his growing up in Los Angeles where he graduated from Glendale High School class of 1969 and also attended college at Glendale Community College and El Camino College.

He and his wife of 44 years, Patsy, were high school sweethearts and married in June 1972.

They moved to Washington state in the Puget Sound area where their son, Fred, was born in September 1973. He was a wonderful father and husband.

Fred was an artisan and craftsman and enjoyed building things including leather work and metal sculpture. He served his four-year plumbing and steamfitting apprenticeship with Local 82 in Tacoma, Wash., after which Fred and his family relocated to Boundary County in 1978 and made it their home.

Fred helped to build the campus of Rocky Mountain Academy and worked with the students teaching them work ethic and a commitment to excellence. He advanced into a variety of leadership and management positions for the CEDU schools during his 16 years with the organization.

As a lifelong learner and in his commitment to his first career, Fred continued his love of learning in the trades when he returned to steamfitting through the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 44 out of Spokane, Wash., in 2003 where he retired in 2014.

Fred enjoyed everything about the outdoors. He hunted, fished, telemark skied and hiked all of the Idaho Panhandle and parts of Montana. He also loved the ocean and enjoyed surfing, scuba diving and swimming. His favorite place in the world was his home in the Cabinet Mountains. Fred was an avid reader and enjoyed American history.

Fred is preceded in death by his mother and father and his sister, Judy.

He leaves behind his wife, son and daughter-in-law Deanna Thompson (Markve); brother Jack (Dina); sister Kay; and many nieces and nephews; as well as his beloved pets.

Fred’s gentle spirit, loyal friendship, sense of humor and compassionate nature touched all he knew throughout his life.

No services will be held. If you would like to remember Fred please consider making a donation to a charity or cause of your choosing.