Derek Thompson

Dr. Derek Thompson (Age 86)
Dr. Derek Thompson, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at home in Gambrills, MD, on February 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He bravely fought a years-long battle with dysphagia and had previously faced an aggressive melanoma diagnosis in 2016. Through it all, he remained resilient, always carrying a smile on his face and finding joy in his family, travels, and lifelong passion for education.
Derek was born on December 10, 1938, in Throckley near Newcastle, UK, five minutes ahead of his twin brother, Brian. He was the son of Elizabeth M. and Albert T. Thompson and was also raised in part by Roland and Nora Stockdale, his great uncle and aunt. He was immensely proud of his heritage, growing up in the countryside and on farms, where he developed a strong appreciation for nature, hard work, and community. He often fondly referred to himself and his twin as the "Country Bumptwins", a playful nod to their rural upbringing and the adventurous spirit that carried him through life. As a young student, Derek was deeply engaged in exploring and researching the countryside of Weardale for a major A Level project, which fueled his passion for geography and education.
A gifted scholar, Derek attended Wolsingham Grammar School before earning a B.A. First Class and an M.A. in Geography from Manchester University in 1959. From 1962 to 1965, he studied at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, on Fulbright and English-Speaking Union scholarships. While working toward his Ph.D. in Geography, he participated in graduate residence activities, where he met his future wife, Judith, during a table tennis tournament. Though they placed second in the tournament, they won first place in life. The couple married in 1966 after Derek earned his Ph.D. in Geography and Judith completed her M.A. in Spanish and Latin American Studies.
In 1968, Derek and Judith returned to the United States, where he began his career as an Associate Professor of Geography at the University of Maryland. Passionate about education, he dedicated 33 years to teaching, research, and publishing, co-authoring works such as Fundamentals of Spatial Information Systems and directing the project that produced the Atlas of Maryland. However, his greatest joy was teaching and watching students learn, particularly through field studies. After retiring in 2001, he deeply missed the classroom and the students who inspired him.
In 1975, Derek and Judith welcomed their greatest joy - their daughter, Heather. They raised Heather, who spent her formative years in Greenbelt and graduated from Eleanor Roosevelt High School. Derek enjoyed playing tennis and took great pride in helping teach and encourage his daughter to do the same. She brought immeasurable happiness to their lives, and years later, she expanded their joy by blessing them with a wonderful son-in-law, Jerome S. Shai, Jr. (Jay), and three beautiful granddaughters, Jaylee (18), Annabelle (14), and Yardley (12). Derek cherished his role as a grandfather, enthusiastically supporting his granddaughters' tennis, volleyball, lacrosse, and dance activities.
For nearly 40 years, the Thompsons lived in Windsor Green, a welcoming community in Greenbelt, MD. Derek was deeply involved in decades of community volunteer work, serving multiple terms on the Windsor Green Board of Directors, including as President and Treasurer. He also chaired the Landscape and Grounds Committee and the Finance Committee and represented Windsor Green on the Greenbelt East Advisory Committee (GEAC) and the Greenbelt City Council's Education Committee.
As the years passed, the challenge of climbing three flights of stairs in their townhouse led Derek and Judith to accept their daughter and son-in-law's generous offer to move to Gambrills, where they lived close to family. Though they were sad to leave Greenbelt, their new home allowed them to be present for their granddaughters' many achievements.
A passionate world traveler, even at a young age he enjoyed international expeditions. Derek had an insatiable curiosity for exploring new places and cultures. He was proud to have visited every U.S. state-just shy of one, North Dakota. His love of travel took him across the United States, Europe, South America, and even to the icy landscapes of Antarctica, as well as Norway, Russia, China, and Japan, creating cherished memories along the way.
Despite his melanoma diagnosis in 2016, Derek remained active, embracing life with courage and determination. He continued to travel, spend time with loved ones, and engage in the activities he enjoyed. His strength, kindness, and ever-present smile were an inspiration to all who knew him.
Derek is survived by his wife, Judith Thompson; his daughter, Heather Thompson Shai; his son-in-law, Jerome S. Shai, Jr. (Jay); and his granddaughters, Jaylee (18), Annabelle (14), and Yardley (12). He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Maureen Thompson; his niece, Tracy Thompson; his great-nephew, Matthew; and his great-niece, Lilia; his brother, David Thompson and sister-in-law, Margaret Thompson; his nephew, John Paul Thompson; his niece, Katherine Huddleston, and nephew-in-law, Andrew Huddleston; and his great-nieces, Eve and Charlotte Huddleston.
Derek was predeceased by his parents, Albert T. Thompson (1972) and Elizabeth M. Thompson (2005); his brother, John Brian Thompson (2020); and his niece, Jacqueline Thompson (2006).
The family extends its sincere gratitude to his dedicated practitioners and caregivers: Elaine Shai, the practitioners and hospice team at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, Autumn Lake at Crofton, Luminis Health Gilchrist, Diana, Agustin, and Difa from Alive Healthcare Services. Their compassionate care and attention meant so much.
The family also deeply appreciates the many friends and families who provided meals and support over the past weeks-your kindness has been truly comforting..
Visitation will be held on March 3, 2025, from 7:00–9:00 p.m. and again on March 4 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a ceremony at 1:00 p.m. at Hardesty Funeral Home in Gambrills, MD. A reception will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Fields Roman Catholic Church in Millersville. All family, friends and neighbors of the Thompsons and Shais are welcome to attend the ceremony and reception in celebration of Derek's life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Derek's memory to The Cancer Center at the Mercy Health Foundation at https://give.mdmercy.com and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate/.