Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Roger Thompson Obituary
October 29, 1938-October 23, 2021
After a decade as a social worker following graduation from UC Berkeley, Roger Thompson started Coyote Construction, specializing in Bay Area seismic retrofitting. He hired unlikely crews of young laborers—artists, students, dropouts, immigrants—in need of good pay and life lessons. Remembered fondly as a "philosopher carpenter" whose worksites were "a great mix of physical labor and intellectual discussion," Roger was a writer, dog lover, garrulous storyteller, attentive listener, widely read, with a dry wit, a ready chuckle and an eye for the absurd. In 2004 he made the first of three trips to Suriname to build a jungle eco-lodge for Conservation International. Enthralled by the lore of the American West, he spent his later years homesteading part-time in remote Unionville, NV. Roger leaves his longtime partner Susana England, of Oakland; his ex-wife Andrée Singer Thompson and son Paul Thompson, of Berkeley; and son Nathan Thompson, daughter-in-law Eva and grandchildren Sofi and Alex, of Brooklyn, NY.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roger Thompson
4 Entries
Pat Y
December 15, 2021
Roger was such a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor - I'm sure he is truly missed. I will never forget the time you visited us in Colorado Springs and Roger chose blue jello for dessert at Furr's cafeteria. The reason? He said that he would NEVER be able to find blue jello in Berkeley!
B Meyers
December 14, 2021
I first met Rodger when he worked at Stiles Hall on Bancroft Way in Berkeley in the late 1960's and ran the San Quentin program. In about the early 1980's, Rodger built some built-in book cases and a TV cabinet for us which we use to this day. I lost touch with him and am so sorry to come across this obituary. So I want to let you know what a fine fellow he was in all my dealings with him. I am sure all the others in the San Quentin program feel the same way. Please accept my condolences on your loss.
susana england
December 14, 2021
I miss you in my life. The book is closed but your story continues!
Janice Clement
December 12, 2021
I remember Roger Fondly - but didn't realize that we share the same birthday! I love how inclusive and harmonious his relationship was with Andrèe and her extended family of artists and philosophers. Sweet thoughts to his family and many friends in this time of sorrow.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Roger Thompson's name
Memorial Events
for Roger Thompson
How to support Roger's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Roger Thompson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
