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Rio Americano High School

Steve Thompson Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Steve Thompson
Start: 2018-11-13T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-11-13T23:00:00.000Z
Location: The Flower Farm

Steve Thompson passed away of renal cell carcinoma on November 4, 2018 at his home in Granite Bay, CA. He was 65 years old. Born in Hawthorn, NV, to Leal and Paul Thompson, Steve was raised in Lake Tahoe, San Jose, and Sacramento, where he attended Rio Americano High School. Steve married classmate Ren‚e Moffett in 1973, and together they moved to Arcata, CA, where Steve attended Humboldt State University. Steve graduated with degrees in wildlife management and range conservation and was hired by the Bureau of Land Management in Burns, OR, where he worked as a range conservationist. The following year Steve transferred to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service where, during the next 11 years, he worked as a wildlife biologist for national wildlife refuges in Oregon, Washington, and Nevada. He was then promoted to refuge manager and worked six years at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge in South Texas. In the mid-90s, Steve held leadership positions in Arlington, VA, and Atlanta, GA. From 20022008, Steve served as the regional director for the California/Nevada Operations Office in Sacramento, overseeing wildlife refuges in California, Nevada, and southern Oregon. Following his retirement in 2008, he consulted on land, water, and wildlife issues with his daughter Maya Kepner. In 1994, Steve was selected by the National Audubon Society and the National Wildlife Refuge Association as the first Refuge Manager of the Year. In 2007 he earned the Distinguished Executive Award, the highest Presidential Rank Award given to career Senior Executive Service employees. He was also an active member of The Peregrine Fund, serving on its board of directors from 20082018. Steve swam and played water polo throughout high school and college and was a master's swimmer for most of his adult life, participating in open- and rough-water swims at Donner Lake, Dana Point, Waikiki, and elsewhere. He also enjoyed bird watching, duck hunting, photography, camping, and spending time with family, especially his grandsons. Steve is survived by his wife, Ren‚e Moffett Thompson; daughters, Jena Meredith (Jeremy) and Maya Kepner (Erich); grandsons, Kai Meredith, Dillon Kepner, and Kody Kepner; parents, Leal and Paul Thompson; sister, Pam (Robert) Banks; brother, Bruce Thompson; and in-laws, Iris and Durwood Hunton. Steve's family extends their deep appreciation to Kaiser physicians Dr. Mark Hawk and Dr. Philip Sardar, and to his hospice care- taking team, Dr. Greg Naughton, Cliff Faubert, Katie and Gina. We remain ever grateful for the kindness and friendship of Dale Hall and Erin Hegedus. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Peregrine Fund, c/o Joell Brown, 5668 W. Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID, 83709. A celebration of life is planned for November 13, 2018 from 1 p.m.3 p.m. at The Flower Farm, 4150 Auburn Folsom Rd., Loomis, CA 95650.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee from Nov. 7 to Nov. 11, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Steve Thompson

27 Entries

Richard Johnstone

November 1, 2023

I used to call my friend Stevirino. Not sure why. It seemed to fit that silly man I was blessed to meet and work with in the outdoors. Steve and I played a silly game where we would hear a flock of waterfowl and guess how many and then quickly count them. The winner got a Snicker Bar at the Frenchglen Store. He ate a lot of Snickers that year. I live with Honkers and when they fly over every night I think of Steve and I do the blind count. If I get it right I go get a Snickers at my local store. I will never forget our silly times when we laughed so hard with G.W. Shalom my friend. Rich

Richard Johnstone

November 2, 2022

Whenever I see a Bald Eagle I think of Steve. We went out one day looking for a Bald Eagle Roost in Eastern Oregon. To our surprise we saw a small roost up a canyon with old growth trees. One of the eagles had a wing marker and we checked on it and it was from Glacier National Park. Every night at my home in Northern California the honkers go over and call. I play our old game I can count them without looking. We would give a number and we traded correct answers many times. I still play the game to this day and when I get it right. I say Steve I got you on that one. Still Miss His Spirit but it seems to find me on a regular basis.

Live on Buddy

Richard Johnstone

Alene Thomas

November 1, 2020

It is hard to believe it has been nearly two years since the world lost such a caring, sharing, kind individual. I still miss Steve, and his humor and laugh, to this day. I will always remember Steve's love for the environment and the special bond Steve built with everyone around him. Renee, Jena, Maya: Steve always shared his deep love for you with those he knew. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you.

Kestrel Love

November 4, 2019

I remember giving a presentation at the Raptor Research meeting held in Sacramento. I stayed with Steve's parents and they had a pool in the back. Steve was a world class swimmer and I am a world class sinker. He put me through some training for water polo. I needed to tread water holding a brick on my head. As I sank and kept talking under water and surfacing occasionally I remember Steve's big laugh. I miss our laughs in the field. We always found humor in our Malheur adventures. I will miss my field buddy who allowed me to band and color mark birds from hawks to swans.

Fly on!

Richard

Joe Dowd

November 14, 2018

Steve Thompson swam regularly with us 2000 2008, after that he could be found at Broadstone. Steve was an outstanding open water swimmer and influenced many of us to get out to the races. My first open water race was at Folsom Lake with Steve, I was so impressed that he was doing the one mile race as a warm up, first, then the two mile as his race.

Steve took me to Donner next. As I looked ACROSS the lake I said to him that doesn't look that far he then pointed the length of the lake and said we are swimming that way. I took his advice and went out extremely slow. Without Steve's influence and guidance I would never have done open water swims.

Steve was an outstanding butter flyer. He could swim endless laps of fly, and often did. His signature fun swim was kick down swim back butter fly. Steve O's we call them.

I will always remember Steve and his influence on my life. Steve O's have just been kick down swim back fly because that is what Steve Thompson did. From now on Steve O's are a reminder of a great swimmer who influenced all of us to be better.

Joe Dowd
Sierra Marlins Masters Coach

Dan Keppen and Greg Addington

November 12, 2018

We were saddened to learn the news of the passing of our good friend and professional associate Steve Thompson earlier this month. Both of us are chagrined for not being able to make the trip to Loomis for the November 13 celebration of his life planned by his family. Steve was someone we both had enormous respect for, as we both worked with him on Klamath Basin issues while he was the regional director for the California/Nevada Operations Office in Sacramento.

We are past executive directors of the Klamath Water Users Association, and in that role we worked with Steve on collaborative efforts to reach long-term solutions facing the challenges faced by the farmers and ranchers we represented, served by the federal Klamath Irrigation Project. We also sought his advice, counsel and friendship after he retired from the federal government in 2008, on various land, water and wildlife issues.

A common thread in all our interactions with Steve was implementation of the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), which continues to be the subject of intense political acrimony. The Klamath Basin has been cited by many as the Western poster child for how the ESA has been improperly implemented. When Steve began working in the Klamath Basin 15 years ago, he recognized that immediately. From that time on, he advocated for new and better ways to make the law work here in the Basin, so that imperiled species and rural communities could benefit. It was a true pleasure to work with someone who understood the need to reduce the conflicts that occur when trying to conserve species on public and private lands. He was a champion of proactive conservation actions on all landownerships. Steve routinely went above and beyond the call of duty and the Klamath Basin is better off for his involvement, as we are better people for having known and learned from him.

We will clearly miss the professional relationship we had with Steve. However, the loss of our personal relationship with this great man is even more difficult to deal with. He was a good soul: cheerful, reliable, courteous, composed, and entertaining. The manner in which he faced his fate in the last six months of his life something he did with dignity, a sense of humor, and courage was truly inspirational.

In memory of Steve Thompson, we have jointly donated to The Peregrine Fund, something we know was near and dear to Steve's heart. Steve's family, friends and associates are in our prayers.

Kent Smith

November 12, 2018

We all mourn the loss of a true conservation champion, but even more so, the loss of a sincere and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend! Steve's legacy will live on, and that is a very very good thing! Thank you Steve, for all that you taught and inspired!

Doug Wheeler

November 12, 2018

Fond farewell to an exceptional human being, committed conservationist and steadfast friend. Steve's conservation legacy is all around us, and will never be forgotten.

Dan Ashe

November 10, 2018

I met Steve, in 1990. I was working on Capitol Hill, in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was in the Service's old Upper Level Management Training Program. When I was Refuge System Chief, he worked for me,and helped us pass and implement the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act. I didn't know a lot about managing refuges and Steve was always generous with his expertise, and tolerant of my inexperience. He was simply a good and decent person. And a very good friend. I remember him speaking about the green jays at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. Renee and family, many hearts are heavy at Steve's passing, and wishing you the best as you deal with your loss. He loved you all so very much. Thanks for sharing him with all of us. Be well, and be joyful for a life well lived. Very, very wel lived.
Dan Ashe.

Benjamin Tuggle

November 10, 2018

Rest in Peace Stevie T., you will be missed by all those who had the chance to know you and work with you. My love and deepest condolences to Renee' and the girls. God Bless you my friend, my prayers will be for your Immortal Soul. Thank you for your counsel and unwavering support for conservation in our Nation.

Colby Serphillips

November 10, 2018

Renee, Jena and Maya,
My heart breaks for you. I love you so much and wish I could wrap my arms around you all. You continue to be in my prayers and your family will always be such an important part of my life.

Gary Wing

November 9, 2018

Dear Renee and family I grieve with you at the loss of Steve and share in your sorrow. What great friends you and Steve were to Barb and I as we both started our careers together in Burns. I remember many work days in the field with Steve as we joked and laughed together. I remember banding birds with him on Malheur Lake and spending the night out there. He told me there would be no mosquitoes on the lake and at night fall when we crawled into our sleeping bags boy did they come out but Steve just laughed. We also had many good times away from our jobs especially on the softball team. So many good memories with this special guy, may you rest in peace my dear friend.

John Smitherman

November 9, 2018

I was lucky enough to work with Steve as he helped us create a very successful conservation project in New Mexico. The respect that others within the US Fish and Wildlife Service had for Steve was a key part of that success. We had to add extra time any time we were walking through the USFWS offices in DC because everyone wanted to greet Steve! He was a Rock Star!

Through our work I learned how much he loved and took great pride in his wife and the rest of his family.

Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss.

Jennifer Nguyen

November 8, 2018

So grateful for the chance to cross your path Steve. Your smile will forever warm my heart. Your passion for conservation was contagious and will live on in all those who had the pleasure to work with you. Sending loving thoughts to your family and friends as they grieve and yearn to dream of you or see you in the wildlife you worked so hard to protect. You did a great job Steve, and now you can rest and watch over us in our conservation endeavors.

Roxanne Harrington

November 8, 2018

I never had the opportunity to meet Steve Thompson in person, but for years now I have watched posts by his loving wife, Renee Moffett Thompson, one of our finest novelists, as they lived wonderfully and well on their Wren Ranch in CA, adoring their brilliant girls and grandbabies. He was an extraordinary and well respected conservationist, an outstanding photographer, and a great family man. My heart breaks with Renee's and their daughters' and their grandbabies'. May God wrap them in white light and peace, holding them close until they can see and feel the sun again. Good Journey, Steve Thompson. The stars await you, and I am certain Donner will be watching for you.

Laurie Harris

November 8, 2018

I am so sorry to hear about Steve's passing. I truly enjoyed working with him.

Alene Thomas

November 7, 2018

Renee and Family;
Please accept my sincerest condolences in the passing of Steve. He truly was a very special individual and leader, and one of the kindest people I know. I was honored to work with Steve and will miss him greatly.

Brian Mutch

November 7, 2018

Renee and family,
I am so sorry for your loss of this wonderful husband and father. I am so glad I got to know Steve so many years ago while working in Texas with the Aplomado Falcon project. Renee I hoped you two could have come back to WY and hunted with my falcons again. Steve was the best guest I've ever had the privilege of accompanying me in the field with my falcons and setters.
My thoughts are with you all! Brian

November 7, 2018

I met Steve while he was the manager of Laguna Atascosa NWR and I was a student trainee (Co-op) at the Lower Rio Grande Valley NWR. He was always so gracious and encouraging to me and I looked up to him from very early in my career as a role model and mentor. My heartfelt prayers go out to his family. What a loss for us all.

Juan Yniguez

November 7, 2018

So sorry to hear of Steve's passing. Though not a close friend, I know Steve from our high school days. Friendly, unassuming and a great athlete. From a distance I've admired his important and passionate work as a conservationist. Prayers for him, Renee, his daughters, family and friends.

November 7, 2018

Dear Thompson family,
Please accept my sincere condolences. He was a great person.
Victor and Tania Gonzalez

Craig Manson

November 7, 2018

A most decent man who made life better for all around him; one whose service to the nation will not be forgotten. We owe much of our natural heritage to him and those he inspired.

Richard Johnstone

November 7, 2018

Renee and Family I am so sorry for your loss. Steve was a special man that I had the privilege of joining in the field. He taught me so much about love of the land and conservation. His legacy will live on.

Glenda (Gould) Harvey

November 7, 2018

I first met Steve as a sophmore in High School. He was the "cute new guy" from Santa Rosa. As it turns out, he was also the incredibly nice guy. On one of my visits Steve and I played poker for Cheerios while we waited for Renee to come home from work. He was not a great poker player as I remember but he was a very good sport and a gracious host; Steve had that rare ability to make you feel welcome. His passing has left a huge void, but an equally large legacy.

Marcy Reese

November 7, 2018

Steve and Renee have held a special place in my heart since we were neighbors years ago. My love and prayers go out to Renee and the rest of your family. Steve was a very special soul and he will be missed greatly.

Ryan Valdez

November 7, 2018

Steve really was a spectacular guy - a stellar conservationist, a committed father and husband, and one of the best role models for future wildlife management leaders. I had the great pleasure of working at the Laguna Atascosa NWR during his tenure. Steve was always a positive and cheerful man - happy in life and confident in his great work. My sincerest condolences to his family and all those who loved Steve. To have had any overlapping time with Steve is reason for celebration. When I last saw him in Washington, DC - he was doing exactly what he always did - trying to find ways to help people become better leaders. His work and legacy are far-reaching, and his many conservation disciples are too numerous to count, doing the good work he taught us to do. Thank you, Steve Thompson! You will always be remembered.

Dina Diaz

November 7, 2018

My sincere condolences to the family. Steve will always be remembered as a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of working with Steve at Laguna Atascosa NWR and have the best memories of the years he was our Manager.

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