Steven Niel Thompson

Steven Niel Thompson passed away peacefully on April 22, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family and friends.

Born on December 7, 1938, in Ogden, Utah, to Clarence Niel and June Folker Thompson, Steve lived a life rooted in hard work, integrity, and deep love for his family.

He married the love of his life, Janet Myers, on November 3, 1961, and together they shared 64 wonderful years. They first made their home in Washington Terrace before settling in Liberty, Utah, where they raised their family and lived for over 50 years, teaching their children the value of honest work and strong character.

Steve grew up in Ogden and attended Ogden High School. He held his first job at a local grocer and at his family’s dry-cleaning business, where he developed the strong work ethic that defined his life. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, he returned to Ogden and graduated from Ben Lomond High School. He later joined the Ogden City Fire Department, where he found not just a career, but a second family. Over the years, Steve rose through the ranks to become a proud and respected Battalion Chief. He wore his uniform with pride and dignity—pressed to perfection by his dear wife—and was admired for his leadership, fairness, and unwavering belief in the worth and equality of all people.

He passed on his values to his children and grandchildren, often saying:
“You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,”
“You have to keep plugging along even when it’s hard,”
“The only person you can depend on is yourself,”
“You have to be willing to work hard to get the things you want,” and
“Don’t let people mistake your kindness for stupidity.”

A man of action and precision, Steve always had a project in the works—often helping others with theirs. He was never one to procrastinate and remained determined and focused until the very end. Just hours before his passing, he told his nurse, “I want to be gone by 10:30, because that is my bedtime,” and he peacefully passed at 10:55 p.m.—as always, timely and on his terms.

Steve also had a deep love for the outdoors and a sense of adventure. He created countless memories of hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. Though he raised daughters, he raised them to work hard and fish like pros. Gina became his beloved hunting companion, and he found great joy teaching hunting skills to many friends and family members, especially his nephews Mike, Steve, Mitch, and Brett Hales. Steve was a gifted storyteller and loved to share tales of his childhood and outdoor adventures.

In Liberty, Steve formed many lifelong friendships. The family would like to express their gratitude to Darrel and Sue Poulsen and family, Jack and Shelly Finder and family, Bill Hadlock and family, and Wayne and Kathy Hansen. Special thanks also to Tym Dickson, Lex Hadlock, and the Liberty Cemetery team—Kolby Rhees, Orland Lopez, Kenny Wagner, and Jared—for their kindness and help in Steve’s later years.

Steve is survived by his loving wife, Janet Thompson; cherished daughters, Terri (Brent) Johnson, Lori Maw, and Gina Thompson; grandchildren, Wesly Deanda, Steven Conrad, Josh (Amber) Johnson, Taylor (Danielle) Johnson, and Katelyn (Scott) Coombs; and great-grandchildren, Daicin Johnson, Payton Nielsen, Bentley Johnson, Audrey Johnson, Sawyer Johnson, Drew Johnson, London Coombs, Bennett Coombs, and Hudson Coombs. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Carol Bell and Joyce Dykema; his brother-in-law Jack Myers; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He is now reunited in Heaven with his granddaughter, Brandi Thompson; parents, Clarence and June Thompson; grandparents, Luke and Olga Thompson; in-laws, Leslie and Gladys Myers; brother and sister-in-law, Val and Karen Thompson; sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Will Kopinski; nephew, Todd Kopinski; brother-in-law, Dennis Dykema; sister-in-law, Karen Myers; and many of his fellow firefighters and four-legged companions, Plum, Shorty, Dan, Peggy, Ruff, Joe, Copper, and Penny.

We don’t need to say “Rest in Peace,” because Steve left with peace in his heart.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at McKay-Dee Hospital, especially his nurse McKay, who provided such loving care in his final hours.

A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. with Fireman honors at 6 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.

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