Robert L. Thompson

Robert L. "Bobby" Thompson, 68, died of cancer on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010, at his home in Columbia Falls. Bobby was born in Conrad, to Charles and Deloris Thompson on Aug. 29, 1941 and grew up in Cut Bank. Bobby was the second of four boys: Teddy, Richard and Ronald. He lived in Spokane briefly, then moved to Columbia Falls in 1989 with his parents and worked for a period of time at Flathead Industries.

Bobby was born during a time when autism was not understood or what to do for the condition. That coupled with being unable to speak created a great deal of frustration for him in his attempts to communicate. His only spoken words were "Mama" and the sound of a cat meowing which was his name for his kitty "Meow Meow." With Deloris constantly at his side to interpret his own sign language gestures, others soon realized that Bobby saw and understood a lot more than some of the rest of us.

Bobby loved construction equipment. Consequently he, along with Charles and Deloris spent countless hours at construction sites taking in all the activities. One time during road construction near Essex, Bobby got out of the car and began gesturing. Finally the engineer and the others realized he was trying to tell them the line wasn't straight — and it wasn't!

Bobby had a gift for hospitality and seeing to it that everyone had coffee or tea and some goodie to enjoy while they visited.

At times his helpful intentions were misunderstood which saddened him. Bobby enjoyed many hours with occupying himself with his Lite Brites, painting and making birdhouses. He loved attending church, enjoying the music and the people. He had a strong faith and knew where he was going someday, albeit sooner than we anticipated.

Wherever Charles, Deloris and Bobby visited — from having dinner at the Nite Owl to spending numerous winters in Arizona — Bobby was a friend to whomever took the time to get acquainted with him. Our "forever friend" will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his mother, Deloris, and two brothers, Richard, and Ronald in the immediate family.

Services will be held at Columbia Falls United Methodist Church on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 1 p.m. with the Rev. David Merkel officiating. Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for the family.