Paul Alan Thompson

FUNERAL HOME

Mount Vernon Memorial Park & Mortuary

8201 Greenback Ln

Fair Oaks, California

Paul Thompson Obituary

It is with great sorrow and deep regret that we report the passing of Paul Alan Thompson on the 13th of July, 2015. He had been a resident of Folsom, Ca. for the past 21 years of his 93-year full life. Paul was preceeded in death by his wife of 50 years, Dorothy, his parents, James and Grace and his three brothers, Ralph, Robert and James. He is survived by his three daughters, seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Paul was born in Harlowton, Montana on May 29, 1922 and moved with his parents, James Thompson and Grace Seadorfe when just an infant to Chico, Ca. He grew to be an adventurous and industrious young man who often played in Bidwell Park and had his own paper route. During high school, he earned his first journalism job as a Sports Reporter for the Chico Record advancing in succession to Sports Editor and Columnist, Police Reporter and City Editor. Paul was a veteran of World War II. He served his country as a member of the U.S. Army as a Batallion Sergeant Major until January, 1946. He also served two years in the European Theater of Operations and was a leading flag bearer in parades through the streets of Paris, France at wars end. In June, 1946, Paul married Dorothy Jean Taylor, daughter of Jesse Taylor and Birdie Ledfor Taylor. They raised three daughters, Linda, Nancy and Sandra. From 1948-1961, Paul was a City Editor and Wire Editor for the Sacramento Union/Vallejo Union. He joined KCRA-TV, Sacramento, Ca. as Editor and News Manager until 1976. During his KCRA career, he created or helped create a number of innovative news features: "On-the-Go, Show Biz, Call 3 for Action, Consumer Reports, Special Assignment, News Reel, Week Night, etc. Paul went on to work as News Director for KMGH-TV, Denver, Co. from 1976 to 1979. In April of 1979, he returned to Sacramento and joined KOVR-TV as their News Editor. Paul was also a consultant for KCPM, Ch 24, in Chico during 1985-1986 and was responsible for creating the station's first news department. Obviously, Paul had a long, distinctive career in newspaper journalism and television news. His love of gardening, books, crossword puzzles, sports, spending time with family and friends filled his retirement years. Paul was a remarkable man full of care, generosity, humor and stories who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Funeral services will be held at Mt. Vernon Memorial, 8201 Greenback Ln, Fair Oaks, Ca on the 23rd of July at 10am.

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Published by The Sacramento Bee on Jul. 19, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Thompson

7 Entries

Steve and Chickie

Steve Pirello

August 19, 2015

Dear Paul,
You were our friend, for what seemed like such a short time, from Belvidere, to Orchard St. To South Carolina...Steve and I were so impressed by your kindness. We will always remember the great times we had, and your hospitality was second to none, we want to thank you and Nancy for the wonderful memories. Love you to the moon and back...Say hi to everyone in heaven, save us a god seat! Love Steve and Chickie and family

July 24, 2015

Dear Uncle Paul,
You were one of my two favorite uncles. I keep in my heart such wonderful memories of being with you and Aunt Dorothy and the girls when I would visit my Grandma in Chico when I was a child. You made my time away from my family so comfortable and fun. I will miss you so much.

Much love (and say hi to my Dad),

Your Niece, Jane

Janet Diodoardo

July 24, 2015

My husband, Leon, and I will miss having our fun and story-filled dinners with Paul and Helen. I've know Paul for as long as I can remember. My mother, Ellen Cope Flynn, loved Dorothy and Paul so much. I can remember them at my often-party-giving mother's "events." I remember also spending some of those "lunches" at The Firehouse as my uncles were the owners. After I grew up, moved away, got married and moved back to Sacramento, I was often in touch with my mother's old friends (even after she passed away). Paul was all, and so much more, of the descriptions at the lovely services yesterday. I know how much I loved him (and beautiful Dorothy) and know all the reasons why other people loved him as well. I send loving thoughts to all his beautiful family. Affectionately, Janet Flynn Diodoardo

Deborah Wiest

July 23, 2015

I love you Papa.

Sandra Riley Grimshaw

July 22, 2015

A true giant. Met Paul in the early 80's during my stints as intern and then news assistant @ KCRA & KOVR. I hosted an AM talk show @KRCR in Redding while he was in Chico, so we were able to visit. He advised:" put down the note cards & listen" I still think of him when watching TV shows w/hosts & note cards. He also liked that I shared his daughter's name. My deepest sympathy to your family.

Nan Nichols Crussell

July 19, 2015

Dear Sandy, Nancy and Linda -- I am so saddened to see that we've lost your Dad. He and your Mom were so good to me when I used to hang out at your house years ago. This photo shows his sweet smile. Please know that I send you my love and a big hug through this. I know Paul will be deeply missed indeed. -- Nan Nichols Crussell

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