Chuck Thompson, 81

Chuck Thompson, 81, passed away Tuesday, May 1, 2007, at Brendan House in Kalispell. He was born April 8, 1926, in Flat Rock, Ill., to Ted and Ada (Dunlap) Thompson and was the eldest of four children.

After graduating from high school, Chuck joined the U.S. Navy, where he was a gunner's mate for two years. Upon his discharge, he worked his way up to Billings, where he met and married Doris Anthony on March 18, 1949.

Chuck was a man of many talents; welder, heavy-equipment operator and, best of all, fisherman.

He was happiest when he was hunting or fishing. One of his greatest joys was sharing his love of the outdoors with friends and family.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; and his loving wife and favorite fishing partner, Doris.

He is survived by four children, Bill Thompson and wife, Terry, of Long Beach, Calif., Ron Thompson and wife, Donna, of Bonny Lake, Wash., Rick Thompson and wife, Kathy, of Kalispell, and Deb Barrett and husband, Roger, also of Kalispell; two brothers, Carl Thompson of Bailey, Colo., and Don Thompson of Des Moines, Wash.; one sister, Lois English, of Robinson, Ill.; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, with one on the way.

Chuck's family is honoring his wish for no formal services and instead encourages all of his family and friends to "take a day off and go fishing."

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Chuck's family.