Richard Theodore Thompson's Obituary
Richard Theodore Thompson, 69, died Saturday, September 17, 2016. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Judy; his son, Rick and wife Rebecca; his daughter, Kristin and husband Thad Nelson; his three grandchildren, Sean, Jessica, and Justine Thompson; his Uncle, Arnold Thompson; as well as his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. Born and raised in Chicago, the son of Theodore and Shirley (Krusbe) Thompson, Rich moved to Naperville, IL in 1971 with his wife Judy and newborn son, Rick, where they remained until they retired to Florida in 1999. They have lived on Sanibel Island since 2000 on the property they purchased in 1986 after deciding Sanibel was where they wanted to be and began planning their dream home and retirement. Rich was an electrical engineer who worked for most of his career at Amoco Research Center in Naperville. Always a sharp analytical thinker, Rich excelled at his work, helping with math homework, and fixing antique clocks he would search out at flea markets. Rich also loved the water. Multiple trips were spent fishing with his brothers-in-law Dennis and Pat, or diving with his brother-in-law Ray. His children, Rick and Kristin, were very lucky to travel and see much of the country with their Mom and Dad while growing up. Vacationing with family was always an important priority to Rich. After retiring, Rich and Judy dedicated time on Sanibel to friends, family visits, and C.R.O.W. Rich helped with projects at the C.R.O.W. facilities as well as driving for many years to transport injured wildlife to the hospital on Sanibel Island. Rich was smart, loving, sensitive, and dedicated. He loved, was loved and will be missed. A Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 24th at Saint Isabel’s Catholic Church 3559 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957.
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