Obituary of John S. Thomsen

John Spencer “Johnny” Thomsen, 95 years young, passed away on October 20, 2021, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease and pneumonia.

John was born May 28, 1926, to Jess and Izel Thomsen in Olympia, Washington, and grew up on the Nisqually property homesteaded in 1886 by his grandparents. He attended Olympia schools. John worked the family farm with his father, raising cows, hauling lumber for the family’s logging and milling business, and eventually running a 300-head dairy operation.

He married Vada Peterson in 1951 and they raised three children, Ken, Susan and Vivian, on the same family property. He was active in the Olympia Elks Lodge, Olympia Eagles and the Tacoma Thunderbird Club. He enjoyed grange dances and parties of all kinds. He especially loved dancing to his favorite song, Johnny B Goode. Always inclusive, he and Vada proudly and graciously hosted large picnic gatherings in Nisqually Valley for over 40 years on 4^th of July and Labor Day, which typically drew 100 or more friends and relatives. They enjoyed traveling abroad and in the U.S., putting many miles on their motorhome.

John was a kind man who loved talking to people and who brought joy to many. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Vada; as well as son, Ken (Kathy); daughters, Susan Miller (Todd) and Vivian Chambers (Jeremy). He also leaves behind six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was an amazing gentleman who will never be forgotten.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 14, 2021, 12:00 p.m. at the Nisqually picnic barn. The family respectfully requests masks be worn.

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