Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Brian John Thompson
Brian John Thompson
Obituary
Guest Book
Brian Thompson Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Brian was born in England and received his education at Manchester University, obtaining his B.Sc. and Ph.D. Brian joined the University of Rochester in 1968 as director of the Institute of Optics, and from 1975-1984 served as the Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science. He continued as Provost of the University of Rochester from July 1, 1984- June 30,1994. He received numerous awards for his contributions to Optics and also developed and pioneered an important branch of holography. Brian has been the author of more than 180 scientific and technical papers and books and also served as an editor for multiple publications. Brian was a member of the Board of Overseers of the Thayer School of Dartmouth College, served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Center for Governmental Research, and Trustee of the Rochester Divinity School, the Rochester Museum of Science, and the Link Foundation. He served as a corporate director of Welch Allyn, Holotek, and Semi-Conductor Laser International. Brian was a past president and lifetime member of SPIE (Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers). He has received numerous awards over his lengthy career.
Brian was a long time member of Christ Church, Pittsford, New York. He had a passion for gardening and a love of books that he shared with his wife. He also enjoyed spending time at the cottage in Canada. His love and devotion to family always came first.
A family service is planned. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Brian with donations to the American Diabetes Association or the Alzheimer's Association. The family would like to thank Cypress Cove for taking such loving care of Brian.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Cindy Lebel Kahn
January 30, 2024
As an undergraduate in Optical Engineering at the U of R in the late 1970s, having Brian Thompson as our class advisor was special. He cared about each of us and made sure our classes, our progress, and our lives were going smoothly for four years. As one of 4 women in a class of 26 optics students, I appreciated his mentorship, his empathy, and his technical brilliance but most of all, his teaching was outstanding. Deepest condolences on your loss.
Lynn Reiner
January 30, 2024
So sorry for your loss, Brian Thompson was loved and fondly remembered at the U of R.
James Carter
January 30, 2024
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
James Carter
January 30, 2024
James Carter
January 30, 2024
Prof. Thompson was my instructor for Physical Optics 141. I still have the "Physical Optics Notebook" presented to each in the mixed group ofgrad students and BA candidates like me. He seemed to take an interest in me even going out of his way to embarrass me in the Commons with a compliment. I have always admired Prof Thompson. I never got to any "first name" basis so doing so now is rather uncomfortable. Later, he personally requested I stay at the Institute of Optics after graduation. Foolishly or not, I left to find my future.
A few years later in the Marina del Rey Chart House in LA, he boughr a few rounds of Glenlivet single malt for me and a bunch of other alums form my class of '82. Had such a great time too.
I wish I had known that he lives in Naples FL where my mother, and her neighbor, Tina Kidger reside. I would have given anything to pay my regards and share stories.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
1605 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33907
Make a Donation
in Brian Thompson's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
People and places connected with Brian
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Brian's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Brian Thompson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
