Neil Raymond Thompson

Reverend Neil Raymond Thompson passed away on November 25, 2022, in Lacey Washington.

Neil was born in Lindsay, California on April 8, 1938. At the age of three, his family moved to San Bernardino where he attended elementary through high school. After high school, Neil attended the California Lutheran Bible School for one year and Pacific Lutheran University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Neil then attended Wartburg Theological Seminary during which time he completed an internship at Glendale Lutheran Church in Burien, Washington, before earning his Bachelor of Divinity degree.

Throughout his career as a Lutheran minister, Neil served the following congregations:

• Faith Lutheran Church: Hannaford, North Dakota

• Mabel Lutheran Church: Sutton , North Dakota

• Trinity Lutheran Church: Jamestown, North Dakota

• Pilgrim Lutheran Church: Othello, Washington

• Galilean Chapel: Ocean Shores, Washington

• Faith Lutheran Church: Shelton, Washington

Neil loved being with his family and enjoyed attending his sons' school events. He especially enjoyed calling on people and getting to know his congregation. The holidays were a special time, both from a liturgical perspective and for time spent with friends and family. The Thompsons would often open their home for their church family to gather and visit with one another. Neil always made sure his family had time to spend together; even if it was only for a short trip to go windsurfing, skiing or fishing. His main interests were Native American History and collecting antiques. When time allowed, he also enjoyed going on camping trips with his family. He shared a wonderful life with his wife as a husband and with his family as a father and grandfather. His family was blessed!

Neil is preceded in death by Eula Thompson (mother), Ray Thompson (father) and Gary Thompson (brother).

Neil is survived by the love of his life, Edith Thompson, their two sons, Dr. Wade Thompson, (spouse, Renae), Brien Thompson (spouse, Rebecca), and grandchildren; Cole Thompson, Jack Thompson, Peyton Thompson, and Benjamin Thompson, and his brother Dale Thompson.

A celebration of life will be held on January 7, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 1212 Connection Street in Shelton, WA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either one of Neil's favorite charities:

• Wartburg Seminary, 333 Wartburg Place, PO Box 5004, Dubuque, IA 52003

• Lutheran Indian Ministries, 15350 West Capitol Dr., Brookfield, WI 53005