Dixie Lou Thompson

September 06, 1922 - July 08, 2015

Dixie Lou Thompson

September 06, 1922 - July 08, 2015

Obituary

Dixie Thompson died peacefully on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at age 92. She died as she had lived, surrounded by beloved and faithful friends. Dixie lived her long life with a nearly boundless sense of adventure and fun, letting the good times roll as often as possible. Renowned for her generosity, Dixie shared her gifts of friendship, hospitality, and optimism with friends, relatives, and innumerable pets. She is survived by Leroy Brown, her cat.
Dixie was born on her parents’ kitchen table in Waterville, Washington on September 6, 1922. The daughter of the late Peggy and Ralph Thompson, she attended schools there and in Kent where she formed lifelong friendships. A talent for writing led her to Eastern Washington University, where Dixie began her broadcasting career on the college radio station. After college, Dixie’s adventures included producing USO shows throughout Europe soon after World War II. In 1951, Dixie wrote the lyrics for the “Black Ball Ferry Line,” sung by Bing Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, and others. Later she wrote and produced livetelevisioncommercialsfor“DoubleorNothing”andothergameshows. Shewentonto produce award-winning radio and television commercials, including Kawasaki Motorcycles’ “Let the good times roll” campaign. During her forty-year broadcasting career, Dixie worked at advertising agencies in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. Upon retirement in 1990, she returned to her beloved Washington state where she lived overlooking Puget Sound until her death.
Cremation has taken place. No services are planned. Everyone who remembers Dixie is asked to celebrate her life in their own way. Raise a glass in her honor and commemorate a life well lived. In her memory, Dixie would hope that you would do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness to someone—or some animal-—less fortunate. In Dixie’s view, that would be almost anyone. She was, she often said, “the luckiest person in the world.” (The Cat’s Meow and the Anacortes Animal Relief Fund were among Dixie’s favorite organizations.)
Special thanks to beloved friends and caregivers Karen Stump, Cathy Layman, and Tami Bridge for their loving and tender care during the last years of Dixie’s life.

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5 responses to Dixie Lou Thompson

  1. So much grace and charisma surrounded Dixie. She inspired us with her creativity, more than I’m sure she knew. Rest in peace, cousin.

  2. Dixie Thompson was my boss, mentor, friend, inspiration and guide. Whenever I tell people of the major influences in my life, Dixie is first on the list. In the ad world she was the most honest, respected, loved, admired, fun, creative, humble and inspired person I ever worked with. I am so blessed that our work relationship became a wonderful friendship where these qualities were magnified. Dixie is unforgettable and so loved, as she loved.
    I love you Dixie and I thank you for all you gave to me and all you continue to give.

    Bless.

    Stephanie

  3. Dixie, I can’t imagine my life without you. Even though you were my cousin, I always thought of you as my big sister. You were alway there when I needed you, and as you know I admired you greatly. You’ve been with me since I was born, and now I’m without you. And I can’t even have a conversation with Margie.
    I love you, and I just mixed a Margarita in your honor (no more Vodka) I miss you terribly and am having terrible guilt about not calling you when you were so on my mind. Tell Auntie Myrtle and Uncle Tommy and my folks how lonely I am without all of you Christmas has never been the same.

    Missing you, Diane (Mrs. Pody)

  4. My sincere sorrow to your family. I met Dixie once when I was just a teenager. She was filming a commercial that my dad, Dale Rusinko had been chosen to be in. (1971 or 72). Anyway, she was very sweet to a very curious young girl & our family. I only learned of her passing because I have been trying to find the commercial on the internet (no luck so far).
    When I did, although it is late, I did want to let you know that she left a lasting impression and a bit of a thrill to one young girl.

  5. Hunt and I have a very special place in our hearts for Dixie. She was such a good friend to Ann(Hunt’s mother) during the last part of her life. We will always remember her for that gift. We also enjoyed her friendship. Her obituary was lovely. Dixie was one special lady and we are all better people for knowing her.
    Warm thoughts

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