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Joseph Thompson Obituary
Dr. Joseph William Thompson
Dr. Joseph William Thompson, a Missoula, Montana veterinarian for forty years, died at home of a heart attack on the morning of Saturday, December 31.
He was 70 years old (October 6, 1952 to December 31, 2022). Joe's love for all creatures great and small suited him for veterinary medicine and the outdoor life of Montana.
Joe was the son of Joseph and Mary Regina (nee Joyce) Thompson of Morgantown, West Virginia. Joe's love for adventure began in the eighth grade after a successful fishing trip during an unreported absence from school.
Joe graduated from Saint Francis Central High School in Morgantown, West Virginia in 1970. He went to West Virginia University and graduated in 1974 as a pre-vet major. Joe then went to the School of Veterinarian Medicine at Tuskegee University and graduated in 1982. Joe moved to Missoula, Montana for his first job and soon fell in love with this outdoor paradise.
To say Joe was an avid hunter and fisherman is an understatement, but in later years he seemed to take more pleasure in simply being outdoors among all things bright and beautiful; finding the hawk's nest, photographing the rattlesnake. Joe enjoyed western and salsa dancing and did not miss many weekends at the Sunrise Saloon. Joe enjoyed showing friends the clearing where Lewis and Clark camped as they climbed through Lolo Pass. He would not own a cell phone. His favorite movie was The Song of Bernadette about the Blessed Mother's appearance at Lourdes, France. Joe passed away on his couch, clutching a family crucifix to his chest with Hunter, his Golden Retriever, by his side.
Joe is survived by his sister, Mary Kay Hustead, and her daughters, Nicole Hope Hustead of DeQuincy LA and her fiancé Jonathan Clifton, and Kristin Faith Stein of Wellington FL, and Mary Kay's fiancé, James Bolon of Dillonvale, Ohio.
There will be a memorial Mass for Joe at Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Missoula, Montana on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 10:30am. Joe's ashes will be buried with his parents at East Oak Grove Cemetery in Morgantown, West Virginia in early summer.
A glimpse of one of Joe's recent adventures can be had by searching "A Wilder View: Wrangling Rattlesnakes for Science."
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Thompson
Bokey Bill
August 5, 2024
Joe was a good friend that I enjoyed going hunting and fishing with. He helped with my family´s move to Ga in 1977, driving the Uhaul truck. Unfortunately we did not stay in contact and just recently I was trying to get in touch with him to invite him to Ga to go deer hunting with me. RIP Joe.
Laurie Kelly DVM
May 16, 2023
I admired Joe as a Veterinarian, a devoted outdoorsman, and a friend. I remember, and respect, a different side of Joe than what I´ve seen mentioned in many recent posts. Years ago, Joe seemed driven to find his peace and happiness far removed from civilization. His intense love of animals, the outdoors, hunting, and fishing was beyond reproach. Memorable thoughts of Joe include: his beloved Golden Retrievers; packing-in on horses and mules; searching the wilderness for an elusive vein of gold; identifying birds of prey; wading through pond muck to procure a beautiful lily; wrangling his cattle; the lure of rattlesnakes; his fondness for jellied cranberries; trying to keep up with Joe and his hounds while hunting; countless hours in challenging surgeries; his lovely flower gardens; and his unwavering faith. Joe left us too soon, but he will never be forgotten. I hope in your heaven Joe, you find the solitude you want and a vast, pristine wilderness abundant with fish and game!
John Douglas
March 27, 2023
I just learned of Dr. Joe´s passing as I was on an extended trip. My mother brought her little dog up to Missoula from San Diego twice for orthopedic surgeries. Both outcomes were perfect. But my treasured memory of Dr Joe is the numerous discussions we had at the Book Exchange about our shared love of fly fishing books. I´ll miss those talks and miss the competition for finding the next title we needed! Condolences and RIP Dr Joe.
Cece
March 25, 2023
Cece
March 25, 2023
Cece
March 25, 2023
I´m gonna miss him so much. He was me and my aunts vet. RIP. RELAX IN PARADISE.
Stan & Diane Fullerton
March 20, 2023
Wonderful, kind man who cared for our liitle dog Grizzi. Loved to hear about his "snake" adventures. Sad to learn of his passing.
Charlie Scarano
March 12, 2023
To Joe and the many hunting trips, along with packing out his goat it was a short trip he said, right I thought my legs were going to fall off. To chasing cows and the numerous surgeries in his clinic, never a dull moment. RIP. Charlie....
Pat
March 11, 2023
When I took my dogs to the doc I always allowed myself an extra half hour before we got down to business.....we had to share fishing stories..... RIP
Patty Spurzem
March 2, 2023
So sorry that Dr. Thompson is passed away! He was a wonderful and kind person. He always had a smile on his face. He always asked me about my next hiking or skiing adventure. He was the most reasonably priced vet I´ve ever been to. So kind and thoughtful so sorry for your loss of such a loving human being. His beautiful flowers will be missed outside of his office. Patty and Daisy
Dan
February 26, 2023
Joe was a long time friend. What a kind and thoughtful person. Still can´t really grasp that he´s passed away.
Debra Dodge
February 24, 2023
WOW what heartbreaking news! :*( Dr. Joe was our wonderful Vet for many years. We will sure miss him and his excitement over rattlesnakes (we found a couple in our yard over the years). He was such a good guy and Veterinarian. I'm in shock! Rest in peace Joe - you will be missed. The Dodge Family*Mike, Deb, Reilly, Willow and Twig.
Kathy Dey
February 23, 2023
I am devastated to hear of Joe's passing, he has been my veterinarian for over 30 years. He was always so kind and helpful. He has seen me through the care and passing of many animals. I will miss him.
Arthur Hightower
February 22, 2023
May your memory be eternal. Your gentleness and the kindness that you showed to us and our pets will always be treasured. Rest In Peace .. God gained another angel.
Thomas Petroff
February 22, 2023
RIP Dr. Joe. Max and our family are heartbroken to learn of Joe's passing. He was a very important part of our dogs health. He will be truely missed. Hope you are salsa dancing in Heaven.
Susan Brown
February 20, 2023
My Dog Deacon and I miss Joe so much..Dr. Thompson clinic was my dog's second home..He was the kindest and most understanding Vet I have ever had..My condolences to his entire family..I am sure his friend, and my husband Billy, welcomed him with open arms in heaven..Rest in peace Joe...
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