Alan Lee Thompson

Alan Lee Thompson flew his last flight and cracked his last joke on January 7, 2025. He passed away due to
complications from cancer.
Born May 28, 1951 to Joe and Vivian "Micky" Thompson. Alan grew up in Grangeville,
Idaho, with his baby brother Tracy and his older sister, Carolyn, who was out of the
house by the time he was born. They were still just as close as if they'd grown up
together. Al loved his sis and she loved her baby brother dearly. In high school, they
unfortunately lost Tracy in a traumatic car accident, which was one of the worst
experiences of Al's life. It gave him a rebellious streak where he drove motorcycles fast
and was very reckless with his life. With this, he decided to enlist into the Army during
the draft. He wanted to be a pilot, but the war was ramping down, and they were no
longer giving that option, so he became a helicopter mechanic. He was an E-5 in five
and a half months. In his words, "I thought I was 10 foot tall and bulletproof; they told us
we had a 7 second life expectancy if we got on a copter". He jumped on the copters
every chance he got while in Vietnam. He was grieving and needed the adrenaline rush.
Of course, he was brilliant and excelled in everything they threw at him.
After fighting in Vietnam, he returned to the states to reside in Washington state where
he met the love of his life Lori. She helped him subside with his rebellious feelings. They
loved to ride motorcycles and travel all around in the early years of their relationship.
After a few years of marriage, they brought a blue eyed baby girl into the world. Alan
loved his Ashley (Bubby) with all his heart and just when he thought his heart could not
grow any bigger, they welcomed their second blue eyed baby girl, Erin (Binky). After a
few years in Washington, they decided to move back to Al's roots to be closer to his
parents. He built Lori a beautiful home with the best view on the Camas Prairie where
she can enjoy the unbeatable sunrises and sunsets of Grangeville. Of all his
accomplishments, his marriage to Lori was his best. He loved her for almost 46 years of
marriage. He was additionally blessed with two wonderful sons-in-law. He loved bonding
with both of them over his life stories, he told loved to tell story after story for hours on
end. They'll both have some wonderful memories to enjoy for years to come. He was
also blessed with six grandbabies, who he loved so dearly. He was an amazing
grandfather to his grandkids. He was always up for being their jungle gym and teaching
them every joke he could.
He wore many hats in the work field, some of his favorites were driving for west coast
grocery in Washington state, after being honorably discharged from the Army. Driving
dump truck for one of his best friends Paul Turner. Hauling aircraft engines for Anderson
Aeromotive. Running his sawmill, he cut the lumber for many homes, fences, barns and
countless other things. He made sure to point out each building he contributed to, even
if you passed it daily, you needed reminded that he cut the lumber for that. His arguably
favorite profession was his and Lori's bundle wood business "Holy Smokes Firewood"
he sold thousands upon thousands of cords of wood during this business venture. He
loved working with community action to be able to get firewood to those with low
incomes. One of his favorite past times was going to the casinos, he was the luckiest
person you'll ever meet, rarely losing, especially when he had his lucky charm, Lori,
next to him. He had his lucky charm beside him during his final moments. He was
comfortable and was welcomed home to his mom, dad and baby brother.
He is survived by his wife Lori, daughter Ashley (Chris), daughter Erin (Derek)
grandkids; Aliyah, Nathan, Alyse, Oliver, Visalia, and Reata. Sister, Carolyn (Rey). And
many loved ones who meant the world to him.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 11:00 am at Grangeville
Christian Church. A luncheon will follow at the Grangeville Senior Center. Arrangements
are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home, Grangeville. Send condolences
to the family to blackmerfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks you make a donation to Idaho County Veterans
Outreach and Community Center, 318 E Main St #2238, Grangeville, ID 83530
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