Larry Alan Thompson

June 20, 1947 - May 22, 2022

Larry Alan Thompson

June 20, 1947 - May 22, 2022

Obituary

Larry Alan Thompson was born on June 20, 1947, to parents Gerald and Arleen Thompson at Ft Sill, Oklahoma.  He was living courageously with a recent diagnosis of ALS when an infection abruptly ended his life.

Larry pursued an almost 50-year career in the health industry, working abroad, in DC, and eventually in Washington, with notable stops including 10 years with Group Health Cooperative and six years as the CEO of Skagit Valley Medical Center before concluding his career with five years as a private consultant.

Larry loved to travel around the world, to watch sports on TV, and was a voracious reader—newspapers, biographies, American and world history, poetry, and political analysis.

Larry found spiritual solace in the form of nature, providing him pleasure all his life.  Camping trips and backpacking excursions were opportunities for reflection and family bonding.  Larry grew up in the Lutheran church, where he absorbed the values of honesty and integrity.  Later in life, he became an active member of the Bellingham Friends Meeting, serving this Quaker community in a number of ways.

Larry Thompson’s strong and understanding presence lives on in the minds and hearts of his survivors:  son Loren Thompson and daughter Ashley Thompson; grandchildren Emory, Faye and Svea Thompson, sister Leslie, three nieces (Kendra, Sieara and April) and nephew (Kaleb); daughter-in-law Lauren; and loving life partners Joanne Cowan and Leanne Truong.

Please send no flowers, but honor Larry’s memory with a donation to the non-profit of your choice.

Memorial June 12th, Bellingham, WA, at The Majestic, 1027 North Forest Street, starting at 10:30.  Also available via zoom.  Visit Bellingham Friends.org for zoom link.

Memorial Service

  • Date & Time: June 12, 2022 (10:30 AM)
  • Venue: The Majestic
  • Location: 1027 North Forest St. Bellingham, WA 98225 - (Get Directions)

No Charities & Donations

No Gallery Photos

No Videos

5 responses to Larry Alan Thompson

  1. I was saddened to read of Larry’s death. We were close friends during our graduate studies in Urban Planning at the University of Oregon. Larry, Heather Oaksen, Steve Belcher and I were graduate teaching assistants together in our second year. This shared experience brought our friendship closer. After graduation, Larry moved to Seattle and we enjoyed learning about this great city. I remember that Larry lived on a house boat on Lake Union and had great parties on it. I know that Larry was committed to social justice in health care. My deepest condolences to his family. Sincerely, Kathleen Southwick

  2. One of my favorite memories of Larry was a time when he and I were meeting at Cafe Adagio to talk over an issue before the Friends Meeting, about which we were not in unity. I resolved to listen more than I spoke. Instead, I found myself talking away, and afterwards I left I thought: Wow, Larry is a REALLY good listener! On this occasion, as always, he was super smart, attentive, curious, and decisive. I will miss him so much.

  3. So Sorry for your family’s loss. Just a few words of how knowing Larry for 8 yrs has improved my life: He inspired me to be a calmer peaceful fully present listener, to be inquisitive & engaged in the story being shared, to find my voice & share it. He also taught me about authenticity & to have fun. I will never forget how Larry often used analogies to express how he was feeling; he had a way of articulating stories in such a way that I could easily understand him. He & I often got into giggle fits; his ability to chuckle was so infectious to me that I have so many memories of hearing his giggles & seeing his expressions that we would be cracking up from the others giggle; many times laughing out loud & not even knowing what we were laughing at. He taught me how therapeutic a good belly laugh is. I am so grateful for knowing him.

  4. Andy Hiester says:

    I met Larry at the Bellingham Quaker Meeting. Larry was always helpful and friendly in an unassuming way. One could tell immediately here was a peaceable person who cared deeply for others. Larry’s wonderful spirit, I will never forget, was extended to me on a day when I was involved in a car accident (I was rear ended when towing my camper returning from a Quaker retreat). Larry stopped by the roadside to offer help and remained on the scene for quite some time, helping to calm the nerves of all parties. Many others would have simply passed by I’m sure. Larry’s smile and being will surely be missed, but not forgotten.

  5. Mary Hansen says:

    I think that I did not know Larry well, yet he always gave the feeling that we were good buddies. We miss him. Once after Meeting, I was having a serious talk with my guide dog about her behavior. I heard a response and looked up. There was Larry, explaining, as though he were Batik, for her infractions. We started laughing and talking and my dog was grateful. I am sorry for the loss of this wonderful human.

Reply to a Condolence Cancel reply