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Donald Thompson Obituary
Donald Wayne Thompson was born in Astoria, Oregon on October 28, 1946 to Kenneth and Alice Thompson, both from Astoria families. He attended North Bend High School, lettered in swimming and graduated in 1964. Don attended the University of Oregon and graduated with a BS in Marketing in 1969. He married Virginia Kelly from The Dalles, Oregon, on May 26, 1968. Don started business as a Chevron Dealer in Troutdale, Oregon the Monday following his graduation from the University of Oregon. He owned and operated Chevron stations in Salem, Eugene, Coburg, Veneta and Springfield, Oregon until 2004, when he retired from the business. His son Bryan was a business partner until he went to attend law school.
Virginia (Ginny) and Don had two children during their marriage, Kelly Cochran Thompson, born in 1970, and Bryan, born in 1972. They both currently practice law in Washington, D.C.
Don married Franzi Ridgway in 1980 and they had a daughter, Laurel Jane Thompson, in 1989 who died in 2009.
Don was a kind and generous man, an avid Duck Fan, a devoted father and a loving husband. He mastered the arts of the barbecue, collecting classic Cadillacs and humor. He was a friend of Bill W.'s from 1993 until his death on February 14, 2012.
He was predeceased by his father, Kenneth Wayne Thompson, his niece Renee Snider, and his daughter Laurel Jane Thompson. He will be missed by his mother Alice Thompson, sister, Suzy Snider, niece Robin Snider and his two children and their spouses, John (Kelly) and Shana (Bryan). Maren and Liam Cochran, his two grandchildren who knew him as "Papa" will miss him as well. Franzi Thompson, Molly and Halley will never forget him. Rest in Peace Don. We all love you.
A Celebration of Life was previously held at Sunset Hills Cemetery Funeral Home & Crematorium, 4810 Willamette Street, Eugene, OR. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Laurel Jane Thompson Educational Memorial Fund at any US Bank.
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Memories and Condolences
for Donald Thompson
Nancy Lundell
March 5, 2012
Don and I were classmates at NBHS. He was a very kind, loving and gentle young man. At NBHS he was also a member of Order of North Bend (an assoc. for letterman) and was in the Penney's ad at the end of our yearbook. Quite and honor in our day :-) I will never forget when I was traveling with my four children and Don & Franzi put us up at their house along w/a tent in backyard! What a delightful couple. My heart goes out to Franzi and the children. May your loss soon be replaced with wonderful memories.
B. J. Picolet
March 3, 2012
Franzi
Wendy & I were saddened to hear of Don's passing. We know that you still cared deeply for him. We often think of the good times when Laurel was small and Wendy cared for her while both of you were working. We miss all of you, and you're in our prayers daily. We wish we could do something to ease your pain. we pray that you will have the strength to weather this tragedy too.
Larry Ross
February 26, 2012
Don and I were classmates at North Bend High School, and our friendship continued through the University of Oregon. He was a good friend and a good man, and the world is a better place because Don was here.
February 25, 2012
Franzi,
Rosie and I were deeply saddened with the news of Don's death. We left Eugene almost 15 years ago, but still remember both you and Don. We will keep you in our prayers.
Rosie & Tom Nagle, Eagle, ID (ex-SAG)
February 23, 2012
Franzi my heart goes out to you in your loss. I was unaware that you had also lost Laurel. Praying for comfort for you. Charlotte Box - Former Secretary at Kelly Middle School, now retired
February 23, 2012
I remember Don when he was married to my cousin Ginny and I thought he was a very gentle, loving man. My best to Kelly and Brian.
Paul Frishkoff
February 23, 2012
Don was a student in my very first accounting class, which I taught in fall '67. I liked him, and from time to time deliberately stopped at one of his stations (I want to say in Tualatin, but from obit that may not be correct) to say hello or leave greetings when I drove to Portland.
Regrets to family,
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