Dr. John L. Thompson

Dr.John Leslie Thompson, age 95, of Buckley, WA passed away on December 18, 2020 at St.Joseph Medical Center. He was born on June 16, 1925 in Alderwood Manor, WA to the late John Thompson and Nadine Branin, and was the husband of the late Yolanda Dascenzo. He is survived by his daughter, Alison Wheelock of Buckley, son Frederick (wife Velma) of Fife, twin sister Mary Taht of Marysville, sister Drusilla Upton of Kennewick, a loving host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and countless former students, co-workers, familiars and friends.

He served his country with honor in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Though unable to fly due to motion sickness, John provided essential communication support and allowed himself to be experimented upon to develop anti-nausea medication that would benefit future pilots. After his service, he returned to the Seattle area and found his bride-to-be. He attended her dance lessons under false pretenses until she agreed to marry him. He never learned to dance.

He began his teaching career in Woodinville and migrated to Enumclaw in 1954. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family while maintaining his beloved Carbon River Ranch. He also worked hard to preserve the pristine nature of The Valley so that it would remain that way for all of us. While working, he earned his doctorate in educational administration and psychology. He was instrumental in establishing early childhood education in the Puget Sound area, and he promoted distance learning for non-traditional students before it was ever considered an option. John helped establish the cliff rescue group on the Long Beach Peninsula and finished his career as superintendent of Ocean Beach School District.

Dr. Thompson, John, "Jack", "Uncle Buddy", "Dad", "Grand" or "Grandpa"- however he was known, he was woven into the lives of everyone he met. He was a lantern and lifeline in the darkness. He had ears to hear secrets and stories. His lips whistled and played flute, or gave council when needed. His eyes read every book he touched, read every face he saw, and could find forgotten souls in a crowd. His shoulders bore piles of children at play, loads of heavy lumber, or the burdens of one who couldn't go it alone. His hands could crack walnuts or stubborn skulls, milk cows, write love notes, record family histories, or reach out for the lost. He had a steadfast determination to represent the marginalized with unwavering integrity. His voice could move mountains or save them.

Our family offers deepest thanks to the nurses and medical providers who cared for our beloved in his last hours while we could not be at his side.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Doctors without Borders or Mount Rainier National Park Associates.