Brian Elroy Thompson

Brian Elroy Thompson passed away on April 25, 2013, in an automobile accident.

Brian was born on Jan. 14, 1963. He grew up in Whitefish, then moved to Vancouver, Wash., where he met and married Tami Hiller.

Brian was a loving family man who took extreme pride in his children Samantha Jo and Jacob Brian. Brian was an avid outdoorsman and his passion was to show and teach his children the wonders of the great outdoors. Brian would stop whatever he was doing to make time for his children. He also extended his time to his nephews and nieces, friends of his children, and his many friends and neighbors.

While Brian was generally a man of few words, he was known for his quick wit and his ability to make keen observations of his surroundings. He could size up a situation quickly and make snap judgments that were in the best interest of everyone. A logical and deep thinker, Brian would be the one you wanted with you if you were stranded on a deserted island.

Brian loved life and lived it to the fullest. He could spend hours building forts and bonfires on the beach with his children, ride four-wheelers and climb mountains with his son, captain a boat with his friends while maintaining an air of absolute control. While Brian had many skills, talents and hobbies, it was the gift to connect on all levels with his children for which he will most be remembered.

His parents, Elroy and Evelyn Thompson, preceded him in death.

Tami Thompson, his children, Samantha Jo of Seattle, and Jacob Brian of Longmont, Colo., sisters, Julia McCallie of Las Vegas, Marcia Foy of Missoula, and Patricia Kobylensky of Rathdrum, Idaho, and many nieces and nephews, survive him.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to: Share Homeless Shelters Holiday Cheer Program, which was dear to Brian and his family’s heart. Donations may be sent to 2306 NE Andresen Road, Vancouver, WA 98661.

A celebration of life was held May 5, at Columbia Crossings Tomahawk Bay, in Vancouver. A memorial service was held May 3, at Fairview Cemetery Chapel on Fairview Road Kalispell, with internment to follow.