Larry James Thompson, 72

Larry James Thompson died peacefully on May 7, 2022, at the Hospice House of North Idaho from small cell lung cancer. Larry was diagnosed on April 18, 2021, and fought the disease the only way he knew how which was with all he had. He never complained and always had a joke at the ready, telling it with great joy and a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

Larry was born in Seattle, Wash., on Sept. 16, 1949. He met his wife Marianne when they were young children growing up together on Whidbey Island. They were married for 42 years. Larry loved his wife and his family dearly.

He was determined to fight the cancer and buy as much quality time with his family and friends as he could. He is survived by his beloved wife, his five daughters, Melissa, Tricia, Amy, Lindsay and Heather and his son, Jason. Larry had a special relationship with his sons-in-law and was a loving grandpa A.K.A. “Pops,” “Gramps” to his 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Larry enlisted in the United State Marine Corps when he was just 17 years old. He served in Vietnam where he received seven medals including two Purple Hearts and a Silver Star.

The Thompsons lived in Everett and Mill Creek, Wash., for many years and raised their family there. One of Larry’s fondest memories was boating with his wife, their children and many close friends. Fishing, crabbing and telling numerous jokes while touring the San Juan Islands. Larry and Marianne also enjoyed travel, Larry loved the sun! He also loved to golf and fish, two of his favorite hobbies.

In 2015 Larry and Marianne moved to Hayden, Idaho, where Larry fell in love with the community at Avondale Golf Club. As a member and avid player Larry spent many a day on the course and bellied up at the bar telling stories and making people laugh. Something he did best of all. Larry was a man full of joy with a love for life and for having a good time.

Larry was a Mr. Fix-it and a jack of many trades. He loved to tinker in his garage and was a talented woodworker. He was number one on the call list for his children, grandchildren and friends to help with numerous projects both in the home and outdoors. Larry and Marianne loved to enjoy their yard and kept it beautifully pristine. Larry’s green lawn was the envy of many of his buddies.

Larry was a loving husband, a supportive, protective and caring dad and an ever present source of laughter and love for his grandchildren. Most people who knew Larry would say that he was one in a million and that they’d never known anyone like him. Larry will be deeply missed and forever remembered for that wisecracking, joke-telling good time of a man that would do anything to help a friend or a family member. No one will soon forget his thunderous laugh or the twinkle in his eye. Larry’s family is comforted by the fact that in death he found peace from cancer.

Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home.