Michael Thompson Obituary

Michael J. Thompson, 56, possessing a most generous and magnetic heart, passed away June 8, 2005. Michael was born June 23, 1948 in Lincoln, Nebraska to his parents, Joe and Lorraine Thompson and moved to Colorado Springs at age two were he lived intermittently throughout his lifetime, always referring to Colorado Springs as "home". He was in the first graduating class at Mitchell High School in 1966. Upon graduating, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served his country proudly with two combat tours of duty to Vietnam. He married the love of his life in 1969 and began his family in Colorado Springs. Michael graduated from Colorado State University in 1976 with a Bachelor's degree in Forestry and Range Management. He then entered a career with Federal Civil Service. He retired in 1998 and returned "home" to Colorado Springs where he enjoyed: golfing, hunting, fishing, Corn Husker football and gathering with many dear friends. Michael was preceded in death by his sister, Cathy Ziervogel and his parents. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 36 years, Ginger; his son, Benjamin; his daughter, Kimberly (John) Gutierrez; three grandchildren: Chase Elise Thompson, Sofia Rose and Samuel Lorne Gutierrez; his sisters: Janie (Mike) Cox and Julie (Danny) Higbee; many aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews. Michael will be missed dearly by his family and friends. He represented strength and hope for all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Michael's memory to the Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation, 825 E. Pikes Peak Avenue, Suite 600, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80903. Looking out over trees so green, the peaks so clear the blue sky serene, looking back on years so blessed with you always beside me remembering my hands, caressed. Closing my eyes, we are entwined not knowing where I end and you begin one soul connected, our hearts, we bind. We will miss you Michael, our "beloved", our father, our friend.