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Charles Thompson Obituary
Wilmot, NH - Charles William Thompson died peacefully at Dartmouth Health on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at the age of 80.
Charles was born on June 14th, 1943 in New London, NH to Arthur and Annie (Whittemore) Thompson of Wilmot, NH. He graduated from Andover High School and the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Forestry and was a distinguished military graduate of the UNH ROTC program in 1966. He was a member of Acacia Fraternity.
Chuck and Jackie lived in and raised their family in Pembroke, NH before retiring to Wilmot, NH. He was a decorated officer in the Army Reserves and retired after 20 years of service as Lieutenant Colonel. During that time he served in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service and the Humanitarian Service Medal among others. Charles was the owner of Thompson Appraisal Company in Concord, NH for 25 plus years. While in Wilmot he served as Selectman for four years, was Town Moderator for 11 years, and served on the Planning Board.
He was a member of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and has served on its Land Protection committee for over 25 years. He was awarded several honors for Tree Farm conservation efforts by both county and state. The adoration he had for the outdoors led to his love of hunting, skiing, hiking, and boating among others. He was very proud of his accomplishment of hiking all 48 of the 4,000 footers in the White Mountain Range. He enjoyed singing in St. Andrew's Episcopal Church choir as well as the Kearsarge Chorale. He loved sharing these passions with his grandchildren whenever he could.
Charles married his college sweetheart Jacqueline Flynn of North Attleboro, MA. They were lovingly married for over 58 years. During those years they enjoyed many trip to Europe and beyond, including river cruises and the trip of a lifetime to Israel and Jordan as part of a Pilgrimage through their church.
Faith and family were very important to Chuck. He was a student of the Bible and enjoyed bible studies whenever possible. He cherished his time spent with his children and grandchildren and being a part of their many activities and events whenever possible.
He is survived by his wife Jackie and their three daughters, Kristen (Ryan) Arensberg of NC, Amy (Chris) Olsen of Utah, and Sue Rafferty of CT. He is loved by his five grandchildren, Ashley, Stephen, Tyler, Michael and Samantha, and by his sister Elizabeth Kirby of Wilmot, NH, her children, Brenda Koller and Russ Hamilton and their families.
Calling hours will be Friday, February 23rd from 2:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M. at Chadwick Funeral Home, 235 Main Street, New London, NH. A funeral service will be held on Saturday February 24th at 10:00 A.M. at St Andrew's Episcopal Church in New London, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Andrew's Church or the Wilmot Baptist Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Thompson
Emmet Logue
January 16, 2025
Jackie,
I recently learned of Chuck's passing last February. I thoroughly enjoyed Chuck's company at the various appraisal meetings and conferences. Ann and I fondly remember the regional conference trip to Bermuda in 1988 where he helped each other navigate the streets of Bermuda on the motor bikes. Chuck was a truly good man, and I am very sorry for your loss.
Christopher W Haskell
May 10, 2024
Chuck Thompson was an upperclassman when first met graduating from the Wilmot Center one-room school when I entered fourth grade circa 1956.
He was "an adult in the room" even in those childhood days.
In high school my late sister Lee and Chuck were close friends.
In college, our paths crossed again at UNH in 1964, Chuck good enough to talk to me about pledging his fraternity.
Chuck then headed towards Vietnam, as did I soon after. My mother, we learned later, sent army officer Charles Thompson and navy sailor me the same NH maple sugar fudge in "care packages" from home.
My family moved to Wilmot Flat to run the general store and post office in the mid '50s. The store, a vortex of that sweet village of a variety of nice inhabitants. Today 70 years later, after a lifetime, memories of New Hampshire are topped by the kindness and warmth extended by Chuck, Elizabeth, Annie and Arthur Thompson. In our first winter moving there, a "ride of a lifetime" was in one visit to the warm glowing Thompson homestead--sledding down that long road on a "traverse," rich in history, excitement, not a little terror at times but wonderful.
It's no surprise to read that success and a happy family ensued subsequently for Charles--"an officer and a gentleman" the "adult in the room" even as a youngster in school, church and as family friend.
Chuck grew up to be a decorated army colonel while I, a LCDR in the navy which has long had a traditional wish to departed shipmates:
"Fair winds and following seas."
For Charles Thompson having gotten underway
On a journey as inevitable as the tide.
But as pain-free, peaceful, beautiful
As the sight from shore of a ship
At sea under sail
Helped along to its next port
By a following sea.
Chris Haskell
May 10, 2024
Chuck Thompson was an upperclassman when first met graduating from the Wilmot Center one-room school when I entered fourth grade circa 1956.
He was "an adult in the room" even in those childhood days.
In high school my late sister Lee and Chuck were close friends.
In college, our paths crossed again at UNH in 1964, Chuck good enough to talk to me about pledging his fraternity.
Chuck then headed towards Vietnam, as did I soon after. My mother, we learned later, sent army officer Charles Thompson and navy sailor me the same NH maple sugar fudge in "care packages" from home.
My family moved to Wilmot Flat to run the general store and post office in the mid '50s. The store, a vortex of that sweet village of a variety of nice inhabitants. Today 70 years later, after a lifetime, memories of New Hampshire are topped by the kindness and warmth extended by Chuck, Elizabeth, Annie and Arthur Thompson. In our first winter moving there, a "ride of a lifetime" was in one visit to the warm glowing Thompson homestead--sledding down that long road on a "traverse," rich in history, excitement, not a little terror at times but wonderful.
It's no surprise to read that success and a happy family ensued subsequently for Charles--"an officer and a gentleman" the "adult in the room" even as a youngster in school, church and as family friend.
Chuck grew up to be a decorated army colonel while I, a LCDR in the navy which has long had a traditional wish to departed shipmates:
"Fair winds and following seas."
For Charles Thompson having gotten underway
On a journey as inevitable as the tide.
But as pain-free, peaceful, beautiful
As the sight from shore of a ship
At sea under sail
Helped along to its next port
By a following sea.
Michele LeBrun, Chair
March 22, 2024
On behalf of the Board of Tax and Land Appeals, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Chuck Thompson. He testified as an appraiser at many of the Eminent Domain Commission and the board's hearings and subsequently was appointed a temporary member of the board. He had a brilliant mind and was a man of integrity. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Michele LeBrun, Chair, Board of Tax and Land Appeals
Marie Ayles
March 11, 2024
Hi Jackie I just heard about Chuck this morning. My deepest sympathy. I am so sorry for your loss.
Mary Etta (Reed) Dynan
March 7, 2024
So sorry to hear of your loved one's passing, Jackie. Sending condolences and hugs to you and your family. Charlie was a friend and school mate, and one of the most fun, wonderful and admirable memories I have of him, besides his beautiful smile and genuine and impeccable character, was that he loved to dance.....and boy was he in demand at school parties and dances. May his soul rest in peace, and his family find solace in their beautiful memories.
Emily Savery
March 7, 2024
So sorry to hear of Chuck´s passing. I remember him from the Pembroke Congregational church.
Both he and Jackie were faithful workers .
Sincere sympathy to the whole family.
Emily Savery
Mark and Vicki Whittemore
February 28, 2024
Jackie and family,
We are so very sorry to hear about Chuck's passing. We have been away and missed being able to be with you to honor his life. There are few that can compare with his integrity and genuine concern for others; he was a joy to spend time with. Chuck will be sorely missed by all. We will be in touch when we return soon. Till then our prayers for peace.
Mark and Vicki Whittemore
February 27, 2024
May Charles’ memory be as a blessing.
- Barry & Valerie Feher Bornstein
Carol Hertz Zerba
February 27, 2024
Jackie, I’m so sorry to hear about Chuck. I have fond memories of him at UNH. He was a really nice guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Jackie.
Charlie and Becky Forbes
February 24, 2024
Jackie and Family,
We are so sorry to learn of Chuck’s passing. He was an exceptional individual in so many ways, but we will remember him most as a beloved and generous member of Saint Andrew’s Church. May your loss be lessened by good memories.
Charlie and Becky Forbes
Emily Kennedy
February 24, 2024
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Linda Ford/Hodges/Marcotte
February 23, 2024
So sorry to hear of the passing of a wonderful friend and classmate. It was a privilege to know Charlie and I will treasure fond memories. Sincere condolences to his Family.
Sandy Jacques
February 23, 2024
So very sorry for your loss. Very fond memories of you both in Pembroke. Love, Sandy (Bibbins) Jacques
Oscar Clark
February 23, 2024
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Robert D Machain
February 23, 2024
Mr. Thompson, Thank you for your service RDM Windham NH
Nina Bonney
February 23, 2024
Jackie, Kristen, Amy and Susie: Condolences on the your loss. It was always a pleasure to watch you three girls grow up, especially PVCC swim team years, with loving parents at the helm. Chuck was always regarded as one of the brave good guys.
Charley (& Sindy) Schwab
February 22, 2024
Jackie, I was deeply saddened to learn that Chuck was summoned home. He was truly a "good guy" and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with him at UNH. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Alan Stevens
February 22, 2024
Jackie: Liz and I offer our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Chuck was a very special friend and Acacia Fraternity brother of mine at UNH. We pray that you, your daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren will forever know that Chuck was admired and respected by all that ever knew him.
Andrew LeMay
February 22, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of Chuck's passing! I met Chuck in the late 70's when he was practicing out of the red office building on Airport Rd. He was a friendly guy with a wonderful sense of humor. He was an accomplished but humble professional. He treated everyone with respect and was a class act. He was quick to smile and slow to anger. I always considered Chuck to be a friend and colleague. He will be missed greatly.
Mr and Mrs FE Creech
February 22, 2024
We are sending prayers as your family goes through this time. He will always be in your hearts. We love you.
Lindy Heim
February 22, 2024
Chuck, besides being a pillar of the community, was a very upbeat, enthusiastic traveling companion of the Heims! He loved every one of the riverboat trips we took together ducking in and out of low castle ceilings, riding bikes along tow paths. He was always willing to help too as he loved everything about the Wilmot community. He focused on fairness in all he did as he was good to the core and couldn't imagine doing anything any other way. The Wilmot Historical Society is lucky to have a wonderful video interview of him and his sister Elizabeth on its website that will stand as a reminder of what it was like to grow up in Wilmot, serve in the armed forces, thrive in another community and return to Wilmot as an engaged citizen through retirement. Craig and I are privileged to have known and loved this special guy.
Brenda
February 22, 2024
A great neighbor and friend for many years.
Katie Paulsen
February 21, 2024
Jackie, Kristen, Amy and Sue ~ My heart goes out to all of you for your loss. May memories bring you comfort in the days and weeks ahead.
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
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Memorial Events
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Feb
23
Calling hours
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Chadwick Funeral and Cremation Service, LLC - New London235 Main Street P.O. Box 68, New London, NH 03257
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Chadwick Funeral and Cremation Service, LLC - New London235 Main Street P.O. Box 68, New London, NH 03257
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