George T. 'Terry' Thompson, 65

George T. "Terry" Thompson, 65, died unexpectedly Aug. 11, 2009, in Smith Valley while making his annual summer family visit. He was born on Sept. 15,1943, in Gillette, Wyo., to George N. and Nadine J. (Minnich) Thompson. The family moved from Wyoming to Montana in 1954. He graduated from Flathead High School in 1961 and joined the National Guard/Army Reserve that same year.

He excelled in all of his military training, earning him a coveted place in the Special Forces. After he was honorably discharged, he moved back to the Valley.

He worked at Stoltze Land and Lumber in Columbia Falls for several years, operating machinery at many different positions. He enjoyed the people at Stoltze and kept in contact with them throughout the years. Later he was a log sawyer and welder, which kept him in demand due to his diligent work ethic and his professional expertise in those fields.

Terry was a daredevil and his dreams often became an adventure. He loved hang gliding, motorcycle racing, hunting and fishing, and parachuting. He was a smoke jumper, artist, rock hound, jewelry maker and gold miner. He moved to Alaska and was able to fulfill more of his dreams.

From his first marriage, he had three children, Karina Scholz, Mya Hay and Dirk Thompson.

He met the love of his life and soul mate, Sandy, in Alaska, and they continued to live adventures they both enjoyed. They eventually moved to Oklahoma (Sandy's home prior to meeting Terry) where he was fondly embraced by her family. Sandy had three children from a previous marriage, Richard, Gary and Kelly Dawn.

Terry was preceded in death by both his maternal and paternal grandparents; as well as his father; and a niece.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy; his mother, Nadine; and sisters, Pat Brown and Jerry, Conni Fletcher and Daniel, Penni Collins and Donald, and Coleen Thompson and T.J. Also surviving him are his children, Karina, Mya and Dirk; and also Sandy's mother and children; along with several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nephews and nieces.

Terry's quiet manner and strong drive to always do the best he could with whatever he endeavored is a rare trait, and his passing has left the world and those who love him with a shadow around their hearts.

Cremation has taken place. A private family service was held Aug. 15.