Philip Thompson

1933 - 2017

Philip B "Phil" Thompson, 83, of Loveland, died Monday February 27, 2017 from congestive heart failure. He was born to Elmer & Elva (Meredith) Thompson in Russell county KS in November 1933. He graduated high school in Lyons, KS in 1951. He a five-year member of the Naval Reserves and was honorable discharged in 1953. A devoted husband of 57 years, Phil met the love of his life Eileen Heim in Hays KS in 1953, and they were married on his 21 st birthday in Hoxie KS in 1954. They made their home in Hays until 1960. Working in sales and retail, Phil moved his family a couple of times in Nebraska, continually making a better life for his family, and eventually settling in Loveland CO in 1965. Together Phil & Eileen opened a children's clothing store on 4 th street called the Wee Wardrobe. Phil later sold advertising at the Reported Herald newspaper before joining the Woodward Governor Company in Ft. Collins CO in 1969, where he retired after 25 years of service. A loving father and a life-long learner, Phil was an exceptionally talented individual who excelled at most everything he tried. He enjoyed fishing the lakes and streams in and around Loveland, especially the Big Thompson and Poudre River. He taught his 3 sons how to fly fish. He participated in his children's lives, teaching along the way as he learned new things; he taught himself archery and the art of making his own arrows and quill; he enjoyed wood working, wood carving, and refinishing furniture and taught himself how to can chairs; he was a bee keeper and crafted his own equipment, including a honey extractor; he taught himself Spanish, and how to play the guitar. He and his son Andy worked together at Woodward Governor Co while Andy studied Electrical Engineering at CSU. He loved working with his hands, creating stained glass mementos for his children and grandchildren. He taught his daughter Lora the art of stained glass, and his children and grandchildren carry on his love of gardening. Phil loved politics and was actively engaged in the community. He enjoyed political bantering with his eldest daughter Lisa, and represented the Republican party as a delegate at the County, and State Republican conventions. He was involved with Boy Scouts with his sons, and was a Scout Master of Longs Peak Counsel Troop 183. In later life, Phil enjoyed fraternal clubs, including the Lyons club of Loveland, and even sponsored the first (1 st ) Cosmopolitan Club in Ft. Collins CO. He was a Guard for the Knights of Columbus chapter of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Parish in Loveland. Phil was preceded in death by his parents, and elder brother, and his wife Eileen of 57 years. He is survived by his five (5) children: Lisa (Ed) Martin, Grand Junction, CO; Lora (Calvin) Schreiner, Berthoud CO; Phil (Debbie) Aurora CO; Andrew (Traci), Euless TX; Tony (Cynthia), West Olive, MI; ten grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; a brother Tim (Cathy) of South Park, CO; two (2) sisters-in-law, five (5) brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation from 5 to 7pm with Rosary at 7pm on Sunday, March 5, 2017 at Viegut Funeral Home, 1616 N Lincoln Ave in Loveland. Funeral Mass at 10am Monday March 6, 2017 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Parish, 1730 N. 12 th Ave. in Loveland, with lunch to follow Mass in the parish basement. Interment will be held at Loveland Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, please send Memorials to: The Capuchins Fransican Order or Pathways Hospice of Loveland. Please go to www.viegutfuneralhome.com for on-line condolences.