Obituary: THOMPSON, IRWIN

Irwin Albert Thompson1914 ~ 2012Irwin Albert Thompson, our wonderful, caring, and very exceptional father and grandfather, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 18, 2012, in Riverton, UT. Born January 21, 1914, to Albert Jardine and Rebecca Stimpson Thompson, in St. Anthony, Idaho, the oldest son of 13 children. Irwin married Bladwin West in November, 1934, later divorced. He married Maude Sophia Wixom, April 18, 1942, his lifelong partner and love, she passed away in 1996. A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, holding many positions, from drama director in his ward as a young man, to his bishopric duties. Raised on a farm, his parents taught him the value of earning your own way. He was a cowboy, a seed inspector, a gold trader, a sheepherder, a farm manager, and a well known electrical contractor. Self educated, he earned several certificates through correspondence. He was a defense worker during World War II, wiring airports, hospitals, arms plants and the facilities at Wendover, UT, and Los Alamos NM. Irwin joined the IBEW Union in 1943, and was an active member of IBEW 354 for 69 plus years. Co-founded, with his wife Maude, Thompson Electric Service in 1945, later expanding to Thompson Kleenlite and Electric. He pioneered the lighting maintenance industry in Utah, served as President of both NECA and NALMCO. They sold their business in 1986, and "hit the road" traveling and living in their motor home. In his later years, his greatest joy and his full time job, was the time he spent with his children and grandchildren.Survived by one brother, Keith (Irene), children Gary (Kathleen), Dorothy (Dan) Canet, and Kathy (Alan) Staker, 16 grandchildren, 78 great grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife Maude, parents, 11 brothers and sisters, and one grandchild. His courageous daughter, Barbara Timms, passed away May 17, 2012, just hours before him having lost her battle with cancer. Grandpa's legacy to his family and to any he met and came into contact with, was his love of family and his sense of humor. Grandpa had many life lessons to teach and many stories to tell stressing the importance of family, the Gospel, of kindness to others, and of being honest and ethical at all times. A special thanks to Laura, Jill, Mary, Heather, Marie Cruz, Annette and Wes with Summit Home Health for their kindness and caring. We love you grandpa, "You are My Sunshine".Friends and family may visit on Monday, May 28, from 6-8 p.m. and May 29, 10:30-11:45 a.m. at the Brookwood Chapel, 1900 W 11970 S, Riverton, Utah. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 29, at 12:00 p.m. Funeral directors and interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens. Online condolences at www.larkincares.com