ROBERT JAMES THOMPSON

You lived long enough to see Valley Youth House grow to be 37 years of age. Your idea l that a shelter was needed to care for runaway youth became a reality in 1973 only because you convinced others. Your idea has now served teens for 50 years. Happy Birthday Valley Youth House. Thankyou Bob Thompson. Our world needs more like you now. Garr Stone first Executive Director of Valley Youth House

Bob, Your kindness, encouragement and dedication to your profession made this world a better place. You will live on through all of us who remember you and were blessed to cross your path in life for one only dies when they are forgotten. Your still with us my friend.

Still remembering Bob after all these years! I worked with him 30+ years ago. His memory and gentleness live on

Bob always had a smile, story and open door for us. Our deepest condolences to Nadine and their family.

To the Thompson Family, Bob was my English teacher at Liberty High School in '64 and '65. In his class he brought Shakespeare and other great writers to life for me. He also brought American citizenship to life through his tireless and good humored teaching style, both in class and in the community. Participating in the Illicks Mill project was a life changing experience for me and many other teenagers during the creative if turbulant Sixties. I was not surprised to learn only recently that...

dear Bobby Thompson family,
You were such a lovely part of my life, cheerful, positive supportive, a real cheer leader. we were members of the same Amherst College wrestling team. You at 145 pounds were terrific. You encouraged me, made me believe in myself and helped me develop my "I can do it at even at great odds" attitude.
You will be deeply missed. you were a great light for all of us to follow.

Your buddy,

Moe Wolff
Amherst '58

Thompson Family and Friends,
My deep sympathy to all. Please keep fond memories of Bob in your hearts. He served community, especially kids, with great distinction. God Bless him and may he Rest in Peace. Sincerely,

To the Thompson Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Bob's death. Bob was my favorite teacher at Freedom High School, and I had the great pleasure of working with him in the Southside Community in the early sixties, before I went away to college. He was a truly great and compassionate person.

You and your family are in my prayers

Willina L. Walker, M.Ed

I worked with Bob in 1974 when he chaired the board of the Bethlehem Neighborhood Centers and I was its executive director. I was only 25 at the time and full of youthful energy. Sometimes my enthusiasm lead to not the best strategies to deal with the local housing authority. While other board members shook their heads, Bob always provided guidance in a way that I knew was based on his own experience as a quiet, but effective, advocate for justice.

Larry Kressley