Robert “Bob” D. Thompson passed away peacefully on August 27, 2024, at the age of 73 in Florida, with his daughter Laura by his side.
Born and raised in Oregon, Bob graduated from Dallas High School, where he was a distinguished student and athlete. Known for his leadership, charisma, and dedication to excellence, Bob graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA. He served as the Senior Class President and President of the Student Council, demonstrating his commitment to student leadership and community involvement. He excelled in athletics as well, serving as the captain of the varsity basketball team and playing on the varsity baseball and football teams. His peers recognized his vibrant personality, voting him “Best Personality,” and he was crowned Valentine King, underscoring his popularity and the positive impact he made on those around him.
Bob went on to attend the University of Oregon, where he earned a degree in Chemistry in 1980. That same year, he married Sondra Norton, and together they welcomed two daughters, Jessica and Laura, into the world. He spent much of his later years in Athens, Georgia, and Florida.
Bob was known for his commitment to peace and compassion, reflected in his conscientious objector status during the Vietnam War-a stance that spoke to his deep-seated belief that peace was always the better option. Throughout his life, he worked in various occupations, but he will be most remembered for his kindness, intelligence, and willingness to help others at a moment’s notice.
A passionate gardener and avid reader, he was known for his love of literature, particularly George Orwell’s “1984” and the works of John Le Carré. His love for music was apparent every time he picked up his guitar, often strumming away to the tunes of Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan.
Beyond his intellectual pursuits, Bob found his greatest joy in his role as a father, supporting his daughters, Jessica and Laura, in their educational, athletic, and artistic endeavors. He and Sondra were united in their efforts to help their children achieve great things, and their dedication resulted in their daughters earning academic and athletic scholarships to college. His legacy of nurturing talent and instilling values of perseverance and compassion lives on through his daughter.
Robert is survived by his daughter, Laura Thompson, of Hobe Sound, Florida. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jessica Thompson, his former wife, Sondra Runfeldt, his beloved father, Kenneth Thompson, and his mother, Virginia Keeler.
Bob was an extraordinary man with many talents who lived a remarkable life. He was blessed with a loving family, many friends, a best friend of 54 years, and numerous cousins who adored him. His cousin Tom often remarked that Bob was his hero, a testament to the deep admiration and love he inspired in those around him. While Bob’s life was filled with love and joy, he also faced a long battle with alcohol use disorder, a struggle he carried for more than 45 years.
Though he kept his addiction hidden from most, his daughter would like to shed light on this issue, helping to dispel the unjust stigma often associated with this disease. She hopes that sharing his story might help others and encourage open conversations, offering support and understanding to those who are facing similar battles.
Bob’s addiction does not define his life, but it is a part of his story-one that ultimately ended it. Like cancer and diabetes, addiction is a disease that does not discriminate. Despite his desire to heal, the unwavering support of his daughters, and numerous treatments over the years, addiction ultimately prevailed.
In honor of Bob’s memory and his journey of self-improvement, memorial contributions may be made to local organizations that support those struggling with addiction. He dedicated many years to a local organization in Athens, GA, helping others navigate the path to recovery.
Robert’s life was filled with love, warmth, kindness, humor, and just the right amount of mischief. He leaves behind a legacy of dad jokes, a slightly overgrown garden, and a daughter who loved him dearly. May he rest in peace, or at the very least, find a good book wherever he’s headed next.