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Kenn Thompson Obituary
of Groton, MA
GROTON, MA -- Kenneth Morse Thompson, 86, of Groton, MA, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 21, 2014, surrounded by his loving family at Apple Valley Center in Ayer, MA. He was the youngest of 5 children born to Luther and Gertrude (MacLean) Thompson.
Kenn is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Janet (Holmes) Thompson, and their children, Lorraine (Thompson) Ilsley (Lloyd), Christine Thompson (Nathan Ranney), and Jeffrey W. Thompson (Marly), all of Groton, MA; and David H. Thompson (Angela) of Londonderry, NH; and by his brother-in-law Joseph Sullivan of Attleboro, MA. Kenn and Janet were blessed with 11 grandchildren: Mark Weise, Brianne (Weise) Weider (Evan), and Nicholas Weise; Sarah and Rebecca Ranney; Christopher and Jennifer Thompson; and Jeremy, Danielle, Natalie, and Isabella Thompson. Kenn is also survived by his "adopted" children and grandchildren, Steve and Ulla Weise and their children Daniel and Karina. He also leaves behind special nieces and nephews: Gary Boles (Charla), Terry Sullivan (Nancy), Karen Tamagini (Jay), Jay Boles, and Ken Boles. He was expecting his first great-grandchild in May 2014.
Kenn served in the US Air Force for three years and graduated from New England College with a degree in English. He spent much of his professional career with the YMCA, retiring as the Executive Director of the Huntington Avenue YMCA in Boston, and went on to own the Groton "Bike Shop." Kenn was an active member of the Christian Union Church in West Groton and sang in various church choirs over 41 years. He was active in several community groups, including the Freemasons, the American Legion Post #55, Hospice Volunteers, and the Council on Aging, where he served as chairman. A faithful member of the Groton Rotary Club for 35 years, he served as its President and was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow.
THOMPSON -- Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours at the Badger Funeral Home, 45 School Street, Groton, MA, on Thursday, February 27, 2014, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by a brief ceremony of faith.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Christian Union Church, 37 W. Main St., Groton, MA 01450, or to the Nashoba Nursing Service and Hospice, Two Shaker Rd., Shirley, MA 01464.
The family is planning a celebration of Kenn's life to be held in the spring and would appreciate your presence.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenn Thompson
March 29, 2014
We will always remember our good visits together over the years. Janet and family, we send our sympathy to all of you. Love, Bonnie and Jack McHenry
March 5, 2014
To Janet and Family,
My deepest sympathy goes to you. Kenn was a kind and gentle person with a good sense of humor. He was one of the people I missed when I left the employment of the Town of Groton and moved to Maine
Charlotte Boston
Donna Sargent
March 4, 2014
Dear Janet and family,
I was sorry to hear of your loss. I haven't seen you in years, but I do remember Ken singing at my wedding in June of 1970. My mom and dad, Harold and Marylou knew you well, I'm sure they will meet again in heaven.
My deepest sympathy, Donna Sargent
Nate Ranney
March 1, 2014
Kenn Thompson, my father-in-law, brought people, families and communities together by openly sharing everything he had, and was. How many gatherings took place because he insisted on all of us getting together! He joked, laughed and smiled, and he hugged and kissed us, and he always told us how much he loved us. Kenn had a huge heart and he gave it away without reservation to so many over his 86 years. What a marvelous thing - what a wonderful man! So, although we are all feeling a huge gap in our lives right now, and we will certainly miss his presence at our future gatherings and celebrations, I can begin to feel it already: Kenn isn't really absent from our midst at all. He is very much alive in each of us who were touched by his generous love and unifying spirit. We miss you Kenn, but not too much because you've left a part of your awesome self with each of us.
Annie Hogan-Kobbs
February 25, 2014
Dear Janet and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Kenn's passing. He was such a joy to know. He always had a joke and wonderful stories to share with us. We will miss him. Love from, Kathy,Annie,Michelle
Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehab
Stephanie DeMarco
February 25, 2014
My thoughts and prayers to the Thompson family. He was a wonderful man, and enjoyed talking with him at Rotary meetings.
Candy and Skip Dearborn
February 24, 2014
Our sympathies and tremendous sadness at your loss. Wonderful memories of a kind and gentle man. We were all blessed to be able to call him friend.
Donna Fleming
February 24, 2014
Always saw a smile from both of you......
From Dr. Seuss....."Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened"...
Tom and Donna Fleming, Acton Ma
Mike & Aly Racca
February 24, 2014
The entire family is in our thoughts and prayers in your time of loss,
He was such an amazing man and his stories will greatly be missed!
Summers wont be the same on lost lake without him
marie bolton
February 24, 2014
We are sorry for your loss and will pray for your dad and the entire family. What a lovely life he had and what wonderful memories you will all have to cherish. I know he will be missed. With deepest sympathy - Dennis, Marie, Eric and Dan Bolton
Phyllis McAuley Schrock
February 24, 2014
My thoughts and prayers to the Thompson family may you find joy in all the memories you have of your husband, father and grandfather.
Tammy (Buxton) Forrest
February 24, 2014
To the Thompson Family - my sincere condolences to all of you. Your Dad was a great Grotonian and he will be sadly missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jane Grossi
February 23, 2014
Please know that I will remember you dad in my prayers.
Shirley Duggan
February 23, 2014
So sorry for your loss .. With prayers and sympathy to all . Jim and Shirley
Kevin Hinds
February 23, 2014
So sorry to hear Thomson family. He was an awesome guy!
Kevin and Deb H.
Penny Williams (Hewitt)
February 23, 2014
My deepest condolences go out to the entire Thompson family. Having known Mr. & Mrs. Thompson since I was a little girl and then their children , its always been a pleasure to chat with Ken whenever Id run into him. RIP and God Bless you Mrs. Thompson.
Lorena Woods Novak and family
February 23, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Thompson. I did not know him well but not that long ago, when I was visiting with my Aunt at Apple Valley, I noticed that Mr. Thompson was across the hall. I thought I'd stop by to say hello. I explained to him who I was (Clayton Woods' daughter). At that, he patted his bed and asked if I had a few minutes to visit. I had a wonderful visit with him and I'm so glad that for that short amount of time, we were able to share a few stories and some laughter. Condolences to his family. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time.
Tom/Vicki Comtois
February 23, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I remember Kenn as a fine and thoughtful man who loved to laugh. May he rest in peace.
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