Harry Michael Thompson

Harry Michael “Commander” Thompson passed away on April 20, 2015 at 11:03am surrounded by family and friends. Harry was born July 22, 1949 in Quincy, Illinois to Garaldine (Tournear) Kindhart and Martin Thompson.

Harry graduated from Macomb High School in 1967. After graduation, he worked for the Newberry’s Company and was transferred to a store in Grand Island, NE where he was the Assistant Manager. This is where he met the love of his life, Deanna Thompson (Hough). Harry entered the Navy on September 5, 1968 at age 19. Soon after returning from boot camp, he married Deanna (November 17, 1968). They had three children together, and later seven grandchildren.

Harry proudly served in the United States Navy from September 1968 to November 1990, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander after 22 years of service. He rose quickly through the ranks going from seaman recruit to LCDR. During his military career he continued his education and earned his Associate in Science from Mohegan Community College in May 1978 and his Bachelor of Arts from Texas Lutheran College in May 1984. His shore duty tours included: 32nd Street Naval Station, San Diego, CA; NAS Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, WA; NAS Chase Field, Beeville, TX; CNATRA, Corpus Christi, TX; NBK Bangor, Silverdale, WA. His five sea duty tours included the: USS Tappahannock, USS Hector, USS Bolster, USS Ranger, and finally he retired off the USS Nimitz. He served two tours in Vietnam while aboard the USS Tappahannock and USS Hector.

After retirement poker became a profession rather than a recreation – he not only enjoyed it but was good at it. Harry was well-known in the Pacific Northwest as “Commander” and was highly respected amongst his adversaries. He had a calmness about him when it came to playing – life was good at the poker table.

Harry also enjoyed fishing and boating with friends and family, running the tables at the pool hall, horse racing, spending time with his grandchildren, and barbequing. Harry and Deanna took a lot of trips together, sightseeing and going to casinos. They had an unbreakable bond and it was obvious to anybody who knew them that they loved each other very much. His wife was his rock, as he was hers. Harry’s grandchildren were also important to him – often he would talk to them about life and teach them his hobbies. He was the brave one riding in shotgun when they were learning how to drive. He took them for ice cream and emphasized the importance of school. He was a mentor.

He will be deeply missed by many. Harry was a true gentleman with a wild side that made him fun to be around. He worked hard and played hard. The world has lost a good man and many lives will be forever changed without his guiding hand.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Deanna; sons, Michael and Richard of Bremerton; daughter, Christina Cole (Ronie) of Port Orchard; grandkids, Quinton, Megan, and Connor of Cathlamet, Nicholas of Bremerton, Kyle, Gavin, and Riley Cole of Port Orchard; brother, Gregory Nicholson (Vicki) of Tennessee, Illinois; sisters, Linda Bice (Thomas) and Debra Nicholson of Macomb, Illinois, Brenda Gaylor of Brandenburg, Kentucky, Pam Burgess (Kirk) of Morton, Illinois, Barb Connor (John) of Tennessee, Illinois, and Donna Mathews (Melvin) of Gilson, Illinois.

Here is a song that was one of Harry's favorites; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj4nJ1YEAp4