Tommy Thompson, 77

Tommy Neal Thompson, 77, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, at his home in Hope, Idaho, with his wife, Wendy, and sons Vance and Ben at his side.

Tom was born Aug. 8, 1946, in Orange County, Calif., to Howard and Billie Jean Thompson. He moved with his family to Ashland, Ore., arriving on his 13th birthday. Tom attended Ashland schools, graduating with Wendy in 1964. After attending Southern Oregon College for a time, he enlisted in the Army in 1967. After basic training, he was sent to Germany, where he and Wendy were married. During his time there, his orders were changed, and he was sent to Vietnam, where he was stationed at the Phuoc Vinh Base Camp. He suffered an injury and ultimately was sent back to the States.

After his honorable discharge in 1970, he returned to college, earning his B.A. degree in business administration while working for Crater National Bank in Medford, Ore. In 1976, he began working for Pacific Power and Light Company, where he worked in many capacities until taking an early retirement in 1998.

In 2015, Tom and Wendy realized their dream of moving to Hope, Idaho, where he was a valued member of the small community, establishing many friendships and endearing people to him with his ready smile and laugh.

Tom was a kind and gentle man who will be remembered as having a wonderful sense of humor. He could brighten the darkest situation with his laugh. He had an amazing ability to analyze a problem, get to the root of it, and come up with a common-sense solution. He was a man of high integrity and wisdom and was his family’s “go-to person” for advice. Tom was stoic throughout his degeneration, never being too proud to accept help and many times injecting humor, giving levity to difficult situations.

Our heartfelt thanks go to all those at Auburn Crest Hospice who enabled him to pass at home after suffering since 2018 with a terminal degenerative disease caused by his exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam.

Tom is survived by his wife of 55 years, Wendy Thompson; his sons, Vance (Gina) Thompson of Eugene, Ore., and Ben (Jenny) Thompson of Big Timber, Mont.; sisters, Jill DeVine, Jackie (Mike) Burrell, Peggie (Gary) Grosh and Diane (Steve) Aase; granddaughter, Sydney Thompson; grandson, Nicholas Thompson; and great-grandson Ozzie Thompson.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at a later date.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint, Idaho, is handling the arrangements. Please visit Tommy’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.