Alan Trigg Thompson, 86

Grandpa Alan made his final transition while under our watchful eyes on the ninth of November, 2009. He was born to Joseph and Ovidia Thompson in Crary, N.D., on Oct. 8, 1923. In 1941, he graduated from Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Wash., and would later join the Army Air Corps in 1943. Grandpa served his country as a pilot of the B-25 during World War II and upon completion of his duties, married the love of his life, Garnett Butterfield, with whom he shared 63 rich and wonderful years. Alan went to work for the Pacific Telephone Company in Seattle, and later relocated to Los Angeles, where he and Garnett raised their two children, Terry and Janine. After 30 years with Pacific Telephone, Alan retired to a life full of activity and time with friends. He and his wife took up residence on Catalina Island, where he expanded his time commitment to a Christian bookstore, art, photography, writing, inventing and astronomy. Garnett and Alan tremendously enjoyed their time on Catalina and are woven into the fabric of the island to this day. One more move, however, would bring them to their final destination in Whitefish. While living in Whitefish, Alan established numerous friendships and continued to dedicate himself not only to his wife, but to his hobbies and grandchildren. He collected stamps and edited video, enjoyed gold panning and fly fishing, photographed Glacier Park and continued to write. Alan was a man of many talents, though his primary focus always rested on his family. He exuded a quiet peace and kind disposition. As a patient teacher, Alan freely gave himself to all those around him in many positive forms. He is currently in the company of God, his wife, Garnett; one brother and sister; and both parents. He leaves behind his daughter, Janine Perry, of Martin City; son, Terry Thompson, of San Diego; grandchildren, Todd and Brian Thompson of Seattle and Columbus, Ohio, and Heidi and Zachary Perry of the Flathead Valley; and three great-grandchildren. Be at peace, Grandpa, be with God, and be with us until we all come together once more.