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Christopher Thompson Obituary
Born in Vandergrift, Pa., to the late Kenneth and Martha Thompson, he received his BS degree from Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa., and his masters from Bowling Green University. He taught at Bolich Junior High School. He was active in the teachers' union where he discovered a passion for helping fellow educators. Because of this passion, he accepted a job as Regional Director for the Ohio Education Association and retired many years later from the OEA. His first passion, however, was his family.
Christopher was preceded in death by his sister, Robin and nephew Kris; he is survived by his loving family; wife of 49 years, Mary Anne; children, Diana (Carlos) Trinidad, and Don (Susan) Thompson; grandchildren, Olivia, Gayle and Victoria; mother-in-law, Roberta Hudkins; embraced family, Sean Simmons, Lori Thompson, and many other dear relatives and friends.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate Christopher's life will be held on January 30, 2010, at 12:30 at Maranatha Bible Church (corner of Killian and Pickle Roads, Akron) with Rev. Paul Becker officiating. Private burial. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cottage Prayer Chapel c/o Russ Schlegel, 123 Marion Ave., Mogadore, OH 44260.
Special thanks to the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Carey, transplant social worker Lisa Sutkus, the ICU staff at Select Specialty Hospital in Akron, and to Dr. Goswami for compassionately caring for our entire family during this time. We pray the blessing you've been to us is returned to each of you a hundred-fold.
Hecker, 330 699-2600.
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Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Thompson
Deanna Nickless
January 5, 2020
Well my dear friend, hard to believe its been 10 years since your passing. I miss your divine laugh and friendship. My comfort comes in knowing youre no longer in pain and rejoicing in our Lord. ...until we meet again
Ernestine Keaton
January 28, 2010
To the family of Mr Thompson Thanks for sharing shuch a lovely photo with the world He lit up the obituary column for a month He must have been a great person his face showed it My prayers are with his family. I never saw him in person but caught myself looking foreward to his smiling face each day God Bless
Keaton Family
Karen Ryan
January 25, 2010
Mary Ann, I did not learn of Chris's passing until today. It was such a pleasure and privilege for me to get to know both of you. I know he will be greatly missed, but I am equally assured that he is rejoicing with the Lord this very day. The faith that both of you shared will bring you comfort. My prayers are with you.
Jada Wilson - OEA Family
January 20, 2010
To the Family of Chris Thompson, You have my deepest condolences. May Chris live on in your memories and I pray that God will comfort you and give you strength.
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Judy Schneider
January 19, 2010
Chris was indeed one of the good guys. He was someone we local association leaders could count on for honest advice and help in crisis situations.
You and your family have my sincere sympathy.
Judy Schneider
Chagrin Falls Education Assn., retired
January 19, 2010
Thank you, Chris, for making my time in the Parma Education Association so easy. Your were so pleasant even when the rest were upset. You had a gift that made everyone feel better. The world has lost a gentle man.
Mary Ann Oberth Oleski
Lola Franks
January 19, 2010
Chris worked with our local teachers in several crises. He combined passion for justice and level-headedness in a contested situation. He also had a wonderful sense of humor. I missed him when he retired. My deepest sympathy to your family.
Eddie Vidmar
January 19, 2010
Donny, Susan, Lori... every one in the family, please accept my condolences. Also know that your dad will remain in my prayers, joining a long list that includes my dad and mom.
Love to all.
Eddie
Donna Whitacre
January 18, 2010
I did not know Chris as well as my late husband Bob did but I do remember Bob saying many times "HE IS ONE OF THE GOOD GUYS".
May your family all find peace as only God gives.
Ohio Education Association co worker
Eric & Ester Jones
January 14, 2010
On behalf of Eric Jones and his family, I would like to say that we would like to send our deepest condolences for your loss. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. Remember to keep your faith and ask God for patience, peace, and understanding, as well as the strength to get through the upcoming days, weeks, months, and years.
God Bless!
Jim Prater
January 14, 2010
We'll all miss Chris. He was one of the good guys and always fun just to be around.
Mike Matusick
January 14, 2010
Thompson Family,
Chris was one of the nicest people I ever met in the OEA family and, by far, the best boss anyone could have ever had. I will dearly
miss our all to infrequent post-retirement times together. For those of us in the 80's and 90's era that had the privledge of working for Chris, this is a very sad passing. Mike Mausick
Bob Barkley
January 14, 2010
Goodbye to one of education's good and faithful servants. Chris was a friend and colleague and a better one I cannot recall. I will miss him greatly, and I wish his family the greatest sympathy.
Carol Wilt
January 13, 2010
I was so sorry to read of Chris's health problems and ultimately his death. He was a WONDERFUL boss - there aren't many of those around. I would still send him a Boss's Day card long after he was no longer my boss.
He was a strong advocate for OEA members and the strongest advocate for OEA staff that I worked with at OEA. He was a huge support and never, ever failed to assist. He was even known to bend the rules to assist a new staff member.
He always had a ready smile, a great laugh and a joke to share. He was always there for me. Deanna is right, he left this world a far better place.
He will truly be missed.
Carol Wilt
Rodney Bird
January 13, 2010
I am very sad to learn of Chris' passing. He was a very good man with a big heart, and he cared for everyone. He did more good for the teachers of Ohio than can ever be measured. May he and his family have eternal peace.
Rod Bird OEA member and staff
Denise Gibson
January 13, 2010
Mary Ann, Don and Diana:
I am so sorry for the loss of Mr. T. You have all been like family to me over the years and I only have fond memeories of Mr. T. Even as I kid, I realized how smart, witty and kind he was. I miss you all so much and wish we had not lost touch. Too bad life gets in the way. My thoughts,love and prayers are with you and all of your family.
Ron Hummel
January 13, 2010
To MaryAnne,Don and Diana I wish to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of Chris. What wonderful friends you have been and I want to say how sorry I am. I will pray to the Lord to give you all strength and peace through this most difficult time.
Carol Dolgosh
January 12, 2010
Mary Anne, Don and Diana,
Chris was my first boss and mentor when I became an OEA staff member as an "older" newbie. His advice was always very encouraging and helpful. He took time to listen to every little issue and was supportive of everything I did along the way. If he had a criticism it was always constructive. And did we laugh! I will miss his smile which remained big and easy all the years I have known him. He left quite a legacy for others to follow.
Debbie Stebbins
January 12, 2010
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
Cindy Boll (Kirkland)
January 12, 2010
Dear Mrs. Thompson, Diana and Don,
I was very sadden to hear that Mr. Thompson passed away. He was a very kind man with a contagious laugh. He truly loved his family and it showed. He will be missed. I have many great memories of the times on Scala growing up as neighbors. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Deanna Nickless
January 12, 2010
Mary Anne, Don & Susan, Diana & Carlos, Olivia, Gayle and Victoria: My deepest sympathy to each of you in the loss of your husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather.
I had the privilege, and I do mean privilege, to work beside Chris as his Administrative Assistant when he was a manager and then director for OEA. While I worked with Chris for a number of years, our friendship continued well past our OEA work, even into retirement, and up to the time of his passing. You'll notice that I said -- worked beside Chris. That's exactly what I meant. You see, he didn't believe in different classes of people or employees. He treated you the same no matter what your "role". You were on the same level. All of his staff, were valued and appreciated for the talents they contributed. We all worked together for the betterment of the organization.
He was a true leader who led by example. He wouldn't ask you to do something that he wasn't willing to do himself. He was a "Field General" who had your back. He trusted you to do your job to the best of your ability. He'd say, leave it better than you found it. Because of his leadership style, it motivated us to work even harder.
Chris loved his family. I know you already know that... but I want you to know how often he spoke about each of you. MaryAnne, his loving wife. He spoke of your courtship, dating in college and how he was going to win you over! Donny & Susan, how proud he was to be the bestman at your wedding! Donny, he shared the story of how the two of you went fishing in Canada, and walking along the path, fishing poles in hand, you started whistling the tune to the Andy Griffith show! Diana, he spoke often about your Scottish dancing, your competitions, what a beautiful woman and wonderful mother you are. Carlos, he was touched when you'd call and say, "I just wanted to hear your voice Pops". And when the grandbabies came, oh my goodness! How he just wanted to hand over his credit card! He loved his family.
Chris was a dear friend to me. He was my mentor, my confidante, my encourager, and in many ways, a father figure. He was never too busy to lend an ear or to help in any way. He was a gentleman with a kind soul. He truly cared about people. He was someone who always asked about you, or your family... and then listened intently to every word.
I'll miss my dear friend. I'll miss his hearty laugh, his jokes, his wonderful sense of humor, his larger than life smile. I'm thankful for the privilege to have known such a wonderful person.
...and yes Chris, you left it better than you found it.
David Kessler
January 12, 2010
Dear Family of Chris,
I am very sorry for your loss. Chris and I worked together as teachers in Summit County and then together as Consultants and Regional Directors for the OEA. Chris always was a strong advocate for the members of the OEA and was dynamic in assisting them. He will be missed.
Stephanie Hummel-Shane
January 12, 2010
Mrs. Thompson, Diana and Don:
I am so very sorry for your loss. Mr. Thompson was such a kind and loving man. I have very many fond memories of him and of the times I spent with your family while I was growing up. You were wonderful neighbors. Your husband and Dad will be truly missed. You have my deepest sympathies and you all will be in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Gary Bonam
January 11, 2010
Donny and family; I'm sorry for your loss, I know what it feels like to lose someone close, I've been through it myself all to recently. Just keep on keepin' on. I'm sure he would have wanted you to..
BONES
Kurt Titmas
January 11, 2010
Dear Mary Anne, Diana & Don,
I am so sorry for your loss, your dad & husband will be missed. I will always remember your dad inviting us over to swim in the back yard and Don playing his drums in the basement and both Mr. & Mrs. T being so supportive of everything you two have done over the years. It has been along time since I have seen any one of you, but I will never forget all the good times we had at your place in Wyoga Lake.
Dan Claxton
January 11, 2010
Dear Mary Anne, Diana, Olivia, Gayle, Victoria, Don, and Sue,
I was saddened to hear of your loss. I met Christofer on many occasions when he joined the family gatherings here in Leechburg. Christofer always had wonderful stories to share with us and made us laugh. He made me feel like one of the family. I will miss his friendly greetings. Our prayers go out to Christofer and your entire family. I am glad to have known him. God bless you all.
Dan Claxton, Richard and Katie Snyder's son in law.
Christi, our boys Robert, William, and Thomas.
Gary Meredith
January 10, 2010
Dear Mary Anne, Diana, Olivia, Gayle, Victoria & Don & Sue,
I am sorry for your great loss. Chris will always be remembered as someone who was bigger than life. What an Honorable man he was. Chris exemplified the meaning of unconditional love. He will always be remembered for his love, patience and generosity. He will truly be a man missed by all that have had the pleasure of knowing him. I can say that without a doubt Jesus has spoken to Chris and has assured him that he has fought the good fight and that he has run a good race and given him a seat at the right hand of his Father.
Linda Trinidad
January 10, 2010
I will miss this man that was my friend for such a short time. He was such a special man. After only knowing him a short time he brought me a gift that I treasure. We shared a sense of humor that is truly a gift from God. He came to stay with us while visiting his daughter, my special friend, Diana. It was Valentine's Day. My gift from him was a pair of black gorilla's that sing "I've Got You Babe"!! I absolutely loved them instantly! I will tresure them always and my memories of time we spent talking when they came. He will be missed, but will live on through his daughter, Diana. God Bless.
Diane Hummel
January 10, 2010
Mary Anne,Don and Diana,
I have so many wonderful memories of Chris. I admired his wit,brains,and kindness.It was always a pleasure to get him on the phone and joke with him.
His observations on life were always right on the money. His love for all of you was so evident. I will always remember him roaming around the back yard wearing his hat. Those were wonderful days living next to your family and sharing life with you. My profound sympathy to all of you but we all know Chris is in the arms of God.
Nomi Seastead/Rotondo
January 10, 2010
My Uncle Cher....
Memories of the PA farm , a trampoline, a niece saying "My Uncle teaches there. He's going to be my teacher ! "and being so excited, as an adult making phone calls for advice about what do I do with this job situation and knowing his answer would be wise, "Phantom of the Opera" dinner theater, his laugh, sending old family recipe cookies and the bunny cake, sharing memories, and that last phone call snuck in to me from a cell phone from the hospital.....And the vision of the grand reunion that was waiting for him in Heaven....Love your "First and Favorite Niece" LOL Nomi
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