Robert G. Thompson

Retired Navy Captain, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away from complications of diabetes at Harrison Hospital in Bremerton on July 15, 2008. His sons were visiting him at the time of his death. Robert "Bob" Thompson was the only child born to Leonidas and Adeline "Addie" Thompson in Oskaloosa, Iowa on November 27, 1924. He grew up on the Thompson Family Farm and enjoyed playing the drums and listening to jazz. After graduating from Oskaloosa High School in 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was later selected for Officer Candidate School. Robert received his commission in 1945, and subsequently served as a gunnery officer on the U.S.S. Oregon City. Following WW II, he completed post graduate training at the State University of Iowa, School of Dentistry and was appointed to the U.S. Navy Dental Corps in 1951. Bob met Lt. Mary Elizabeth Glavin, a Navy Nurse at Balboa Hospital in San Diego in 1955 and married March 17, 1956 in San Diego, California. They had 4 loving sons, Peter, Brien, Christian and Kurt. The family was stationed in Key West, Maryland, Norfolk, London and Puget Sound. Bob and Mary enjoyed traveling with the boys throughout Europe in their beloved red, 1965 Volvo. One of his favorite trips was a 2 week African safari in 1970.In 1975, he was stationed at Bremerton Naval Shipyard where he served as Regional Commander of the Dental Clinic. Robert and Mary built a house on Bainbridge Island where they remained after his retirement in 1983. The strong work ethic of growing up on a farm was always present with Bob as he and the boys worked on many projects around the house. He would regularly change out of his uniform after arriving home and don work clothes for completing the next task. Bob was a loyal, hard working man of strong opinions and high standards. He also loved the simple joys of life; gourmet food, taking Mary out to dinner, good conversation around the back yard picnic table, watching the grandchildren and dogs play while discussing politics with friends and family. Always an excellent provider, Bob lovingly cared for Mary during her bout with Breast cancer and subsequent strokes and heart attacks a decade later. After Mary's death in January of 1998, Bob visited their children in San Diego and Arizona and shortly thereafter, suffered his first stroke. Son, Christian, dutifully took care of Bob for last 10 years. The family wishes to thank the Olympic Peninsula Kidney Center for their treatment over the past 4 years. Robert is survived by his sons, Peter (Annette), Brien, Chris, and Kurt (Christine), 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.His life and legacy will be honored and celebrated at Bangor Chapel, Friday, August 1st at 10 AM. Memorial donations may be made to: www.vitaminangels.org.