Kenneth Erwin Thompson

KENNETH ERWIN THOMPSON April 20, 1933 ~ March 14, 2018 Kenneth Erwin Thompson, 84, of Vancouver, WA, passed away March 14, 2018 of natural causes. He was born in Upton, WY in 1933 to Milton and Louise Thompson. Ken graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1953 and then joined the United States Army in 1954 where he was stationed in Germany. After his service, Ken enrolled at the University of Idaho where he met his wife, Gaydena, who was his teacher. After Ken graduated from college, they were married and moved to Portland, OR in 1961 where he started working for the Boys Club of America. Ken was the director of the Columbia Boys Club from 1963-1990. Many Boys Club kids will remember his few basic rules: respect others, respect the facility and never give up. Ken was an avid golfer, he always walked the course and enjoyed the fellowship of his friends at Green Meadows Golf Course as well as lifelong passion for the outdoors. In retirement, Ken and Gaye enjoyed traveling and playing golf. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren. Planning for the future: Ken Thompson - 1958: My desires and values towards later life are somewhat immature. At the age of retirement Security will be of great value to me, at this age I hope to have the deepest love for my wife. I will want to purchase a rifle that will shoot accurately from one mountain to another and confine my fishing to that done from my boat. But more important, I would like to be able to sit back and feel that I have done in my short life, something of value to Aid those around me through education and friendship. Ken is survived by the love of his life of 55 years, Gaydena; his sons, Brian and Brad; 4 grandchildren, Christopher, Katie, Clayton and Gabriella; his brothers, Terry, Nelson and Ned; and sister, Sadie. He was preceded in death by his brother, Milton. A Celebration of Life will be held at Club Green Meadows, 7703 NE 72nd Ave., Vancouver, WA on Sat., April 14, 2018 at 2p.m. In lieu of flowers and to honor Ken's tireless work dedicated to youth in North and NE Portland, the family has asked that donations be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro. For more information, contact the Clubs at 503.232.0077 or bgcportland.org. Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Kenneth Erwin Thompson

April 20, 1933 - March 14, 2018