Obituary: Thomson, Richard Reeby
Age 59
Richard “Rich” Thomson, was born February 21, 1954, in Spokane, WA, the son of Mildred Claire Reeby Thomson and Duncan MacLaren Thomson, both deceased.
He is survived by his sisters, Elizabeth J.
“Betty” Thomson (Thomas Heberlein) of Lodi, WI, and Margaret A.
“Peg” Thomson (Barry Roth) of McLean, VA; nephews, Earl “Skip” Hilton 3rd (Maria) of Menlo Park, CA, and Nathan “Tommy” Roth of Boston, MA, and niece Merrill C. Roth of McLean, VA and Ithaca, NY; three great-nephews, Henry, David and Peter Hilton; aunts Muriel Thomson of Newport Beach, CA, and Marian W. Thomson of Arlington, VA; 20 cousins, and their spouses, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Among Rich’s immediate family, he is preceded in death by his devoted parents, Mildred in 2002, and Duncan in 2005, and a niece, Ann M. Thomson Roth, in 1989.
Rich also loved and was loved unconditionally by a succession of family “collies” including Tammy, the first, and Timmy, the last.
A devout Christian, Rich regularly attended Sunday services at his Spokane home, Magnolia Care, where he lived for almost ten years and was supported by many dedicated caregivers.
For most of his adult life Rich lived independently with the help of his parents, and many other loving friends and family members.
He will be especially missed by his friend and advocate, Helen McBride of Cheney, Washington.
With Helen’s help, Rich celebrated birthdays and church holidays with other long time members and family friends at the United Church of Christ, Cheney, WA.
Growing up, Rich took pride in his achievements as a member of the Boy Scouts of America.
He participated in Scout Jamborees and other events with his father, Duncan, an Eagle Scout and Scout Leader.
Rich attended the Campus Elementary School in Cheney, WA, and graduated from high school in Des Moines, IA.
He will be missed by his high school friends, Mike Williams and Renee Shy.
As a young man, Rich attended Spokane Community College classes in radio and television broadcasting.
A favorite pastime was recording television and radio broadcasts for himself and others.
Throughout his life Rich accepted many health challenges with a strong faith and conviction that there is a better life after death.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2013, 3 pm (procession at 2:30 pm), at Greenwood Memorial Terrace in Spokane, WA.
Arrangements are being made by RIPLINGER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, SPOKANE, WA.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Richard’s name to the Cheney United Church of Christ, 423 North Sixth Street, Cheney, WA, 99004, or a congregation of your choice.
Please sign the guestbook at www.riplingers.com.