More detail on this person: Richard A. Thompson Richard A. Thompson Idaho Press-Tribune (Nampa, ID) - Friday, April 25, 2003 Obituary - Richard Allen Thompson, 68, of Caldwell, quietly passed on Monday, April 21, 2003, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at Centennial Baptist Church, 3625 Ustick Road, Caldwell, with burial at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Services are under the direction of Dakan Funeral Chapel, Caldwell. "Dick" was born Oct. 2, 1934, in Yellowstone Park, Wyo., to Clarence and Gladys (Sommers) Thompson. He was the third of four children. Dick was about 10 years old when he traveled alone by train from Cleveland, Ohio, to Weiser, to live with his uncle, Richard A. Thompson and Aunt Bessie. He graduated form Weiser High School in 1953, where he was the state tennis champion. He then continued his education at Idaho State College where he excelled in Military Science, the School of Education and athletics, culminating in receipt of Bachelor of Arts degree and commissioning as Second Lieutenant, Armor, United States Army in June of 1957. In 1955, Richard married his high school sweetheart, Sylvia Scrivner and together over the next seven years, he and Sylvia had four boys while traveling around the country in pursuit of Richard's military career. Richard spent a total of 22 years in the United States Army; he served in various positions of increasing responsibility. He was sincerely dedicated to his job and serving his country, which showed through his rapid advancements and high commendations. His military assignments took him from coast to coast in the continental United States and two tours to Vietnam. His actions and leadership during the Vietnam Conflict were recognized with multiple awards including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, the Air Medal with seven Oak Leaf Clusters and two Purple Hearts. Throughout his military career he balanced work with family activities. After retiring from the military, Richard began his second career in 1979 working for the Canyon County Assessor's office as a property appraiser. Once again his strong character and leadership skills led him to several advancements. When Richard retired in 1996, he held the position of Personal Property and Manufactured Home Supervisor. On June 30, 1984, he married the love of his life, Joan. With their union, Richard gained four more children, three sons and a daughter. In this chapter of his life, he spent many days with his wife fishing on the "Water Walker" and countless weekends in Cascade. If you heard loud laughter from around a campfire, you could assure that Dick was telling jokes and surrounded by many friends and family. In Richard's retirement years and throughout his entire life, he was an avid outdoorsman who shared that passion with his family with frequent hunting, camping and fishing trips, as well as being actively involved in his children's lives and youth sports. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, a brother and his dearly loved Uncle Dick and Aunt Bessie. He is survived by his wife, Joan; a sister; his sons, Randy Thompson of Barstow, CA, Chris and wife, Lorry Thompson of Caldwell, Mitch Thompson of Murietta, CA and Michael and wife, Robin Thompson of Hemet, CA; his step-sons, Jeffrey and wife, Tonya Collins of Caldwell, James Collins of Caldwell and Keith and wife, Amy Mallard of Girdwood, AK; and daughter, Keri Mallard-Rourke and husband, Mike of Portland, OR; as well as 15 grandchildren and a great-grandchildren. Friends and family are welcome to a viewing tonight, April 25, from 6 to 8 at Dakan Chapel. The family suggests contributions be made to Mountain States Tumor Institute in Richard's name or flowers may be sent.
Burial information: Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Caldwell, ID
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