Bob Thompson Obituary

Bob Thompson (Age 69)
Of McLean, Virginia, passed away on January 9, 2016, of cancer. He was an adoring father to Kira Thompson, of Los Angeles, and Derek Thompson, of New York City. Bob was the star of his debate team at Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas. He attended UT-Austin, both as an undergrad (where he was vice-president of the student body) and as a student of the law school. As a radio DJ, he discovered a fondness for hot air, and the sound of his voice-booming, voluble, relentless-lasted until his final days. Bob''s career toured several law firms in the D.C. area, including Taylor, Thiemann & Aitken and Smithwick & Belendiuk. He was a proud connoisseur of travel deals, and his mastery of domestic and international routes took him from Arizona to Ethiopia, from Portugal to Patagonia (via Uzbekistan, for the right price and bonus miles). On the West Coast, he cultivated the first loves of his life-golf, which helped him recover from childhood polio, and wine, which filled the glasses of hundreds of appreciative dinner guests. On the East Coast, he discovered an even greater love: Petra Kahn, whose girlish verve and infinite patience animated 32 years of marriage. Bob was a gourmand with a unique blend of French esprit, Texan warmth, and a Washingtonian appetite for political discussion. All friends are welcome to celebrate the life of Robert Lewis Thompson (not, lest he remind them, Stevenson) at Al Dente Restaurant in D.C. In lieu of flowers, please think of him whenever you look at a wine menu and send donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or GiveDirectly.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Jan. 18, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Bob Thompson

12 Entries

Janis

January 12, 2025

Bob was a sweet dear friend. He was my first date and a gentleman always. Smart, considerate, talented and driven to succeed is how I remember Bob.

Cheryl Hodgins

January 24, 2019

Hello to the "kids" : Very hard to grasp that your father has been gone 3 years. Tom and I truly miss him & think of him often. Every April, NAB convention, brings forward humorous memories of glorious meals with wonderful Washington State wines ! Bob always chose the chef and venue then expected me to deliver the perfect vino---loved it !

Woody Willliams

January 24, 2016

Bob and I were close friends as children and into early adulthood in Washington, D.C. He was truly a unique personality. We shared many memorable moments together including his first hole-in-one at Port Arthur Country Club when we were freshman in High School. The world will be a duller place without Bob in it. His presence will be missed by all those who knew him.

Janis Conkle

January 21, 2016

I met Bob in junior high school and we remained friends all throughout our school years. We lost track of each other when we both left for college, but I have thought of him many times and always remembered him as a fun, polite, really smart guy. Bob was an exceptional person whom I knew would be a success at any thing he did. He definitely made a mark on this world in lots of ways, as indicated in his obituary. I am sorry we never got to reconnect as adults and I know he will be missed by many, but especially by his family. Please accept my sincere sympathy. Janis Darville Conkle

Mike Stutz

January 20, 2016

Bob was a first class gentleman professionally and personally. I feel very fortunate to have known him. He is reunited with Petra. Special prayers and thoughts for Kyra and Derek as well.

Gene Steinberg

January 19, 2016

I loved my many chats with Bob. He was a true gentleman.

January 19, 2016

So sorry to hear about "Dr.Bob"! Such a joy to work with Bob on my broadcast opportunities and problems. He was so calming when he needed to be ..and so committed when that was best. We talked many times Cajun recipes and Good Times .A true professional in every way. I will miss Bob but am so happy to have known him. Hotty Toddy Dr. Bob . ( he would know what I always meant ) !!

John King

January 19, 2016

In the bygone days of FCC comparative hearings, I had the great pleasure of trying a case with Bob. He was an exceptionally bright and persuasive advocate; in court and out, he was universally courteous and cordial. I valued his professional camaraderie and his personal friendship.

Mark Prak

January 19, 2016

Bob was a good man, a fine lawyer, and a friend.

James & Misty DeChant

January 19, 2016

You will live on forever in our hearts. Cheers to a wonderful friend!

Cheryl Hodgins

January 19, 2016

The combination of wine and radio bound my husband and I to Bob in a most rewarding relationship. He brought his daughter out to our home and winery several years ago, where we schooled Kira in the art of choosing a puppy ! What wonderful memories we share, and oh how he will me missed.

Rena Grossfield

January 18, 2016

One of my oldest and dearest friends from Port Arthur, TX. We shared more than half a century of both serious discussions and uproarious laughter. There was no one quite like Bob. Adios, El Rojo (as our 8th grade Spanish teach called him). To Derek and Kira, my heartfelt condolences.

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