In Memory of Grandpa Thompson

My Great Grandpa Thompson died yesterday at the great age of 100. He wasn't suppose to even make it through November let alone until his 100th birthday on December 2nd. What a trooper! And he truly was during the past little while as his health had been declining. He was doing fair until he suffered a mild stroke in November and lost control of his left side, something he feared deeply. But we all knew he really wanted to make it to 100. In October he had began to plan the big birthday party to celebrate his 100 great years of life, but it had to be canceled after he had the stroke. But that stroke wasn't going to stop him from making it to the big day and so he did. Truly a man of his word. I have such fond memories of my Grandpa and I am so glad that my daughter got to meet him. My grandpa told my dad that this was the 5 generation picture he was looking forward to the most (see the bottom picture). I can't remember a time when my dad wasn't working for or helping my grandpa whether it was taking care of the horses, fixing things at his house, or in the last days getting him into bed at night. My dad had such a great bond with him and loved to take care of his grandpa. I will miss my visits to his house each time I came to town. But he was such a great man and I will never forget that. If your ever in Roy and are by the Aerospace Museum look for the Thompson Gardens right there by it, it's dedicated to my Grandpa. You will be missed by all!! Avery with her Great Grandma Meenderink and Great Great Grandpa Thompson.

5 Generation picture. Me, my dad, my grandma Meenderink, Avery, and my great Grandpa Thompson.