Obituary: Thompson, Joseph William “Joe”
Age 81
Joe was born September 27th, 1932 in Spokane, Washington to Joseph and Myrtle Thompson.
The eldest of three siblings, he is survived by his sister Mary Ann Braddock and his cousin Pat Henry.
His brother Jim recently passed away.
Joe served his country during the Korean War and then returned to Spokane.
He attended Eastern Washington University, receiving a degree in education.
In 1960, he met a tall Canadian girl named Mary Beth McDonald at the Catholic Alumni Club.
They married the following year and had five children, Mike, Anne, John, Paul and Jen.
“Mr. T”, as he was known to his students, taught for 36 years in the East Valley School District, mostly at Skyview Elementary.
He loved his job and cared deeply about his students.
He was also an avid garage saler, specializing in watches, pens, and pocket knives.
His family will remember his boyish delight every time he discovered a garage-sale “find.”
His seven grandchildren were often the beneficiaries of his skills with nice-as-new garage sale jackets keeping them warm and waterproof from their toddler to teenage years.
Joe spent his retirement with his beloved wife of fifty-two years; filling his days with dancing, bridge, golf and travel.
He was a parishioner at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church.
He loved going to see his grandchildren in Bellingham, Austin, and Wooster, Ohio.
He also enjoyed memorable road trips with his daughter Jennifer, through England, Scotland, Wales, France and Spain.
The time, love and attention Joe showered on his children and grandchildren will never be forgotten.
The funeral service will be held this Saturday, November, 9th at 10:00 A.M. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church.
All are welcome, including former students.
He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Arrangements are being managed by Hennessey’s Funeral Home.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Lakeland Village Associates (Lakeland Village Associates, P.O.
Box 200, Medical Lake, WA 99022).
This organization was close to Joe’s heart as it provides care for his beloved autistic daughter Anne and many other disabled adults.
More than anything else, Joe will be remembered for his gentle ways and profound kindness to others.