Les Thomsen

Les Thomsen Dec. 24, 1912 - Nov. 8, 2010 Resident of Oakland Les Thomsen of Oakland passed away on November 8th. He was born in San Francisco on December 24, 1912 and spent his childhood on Rose Street in Berkeley. In elementary school he developed an interest in cinematography when he became the school projectionist. That interest continued through his 97 years with us. Soon after his marriage to Eleanor Boriack in 1940, they moved to their Oakland home where they lived for 68 years. During WWII Les was an electrician in the Richmond shipyards. After the war he started a business producing titles and animation for films. In the '50s he became a newsreel cinematographer for Paramount Pictures, Hearst Metrotone News, Movietone News, USIA, NBC, & CBS. In addition to filming seven US presidents, he also filmed many historic events beginning with the 1939 World's Fair and including the 1960 Winter Olympics. Sporting events included Rose Bowls, World Series, and world record setting track events. His favorite job was being a cinematographer for Walt Disney, filming the opening ceremonies of Disneyland in 1955 and many Mickey Mouse Club newsreel stories. Les traveled the world, filming in Asia, Africa, Europe and South America. In later years, he built a movie theater and cinematographic museum in his home and a 7½" gauge railroad in his backyard. He was an active member of several train clubs and the International Cinematographers Guild, local 600. Les was greatly loved and will be sorely missed by his wife, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to your favorite charity.