Obituary of Robert James Thompson

“Lucky” Robert James Thompson Dad was born in Black River Falls, Wisconsin to Floyd and Mae Thompson on May 14, 1929. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Beverly and Rita. His younger sister, Velva lives in Olympia. Dad lived up to his name, “Lucky,” when he married Mary Ann Glyzinski on September 13, 1952. They spent 58 years making a home and a lifetime of memories for us. Lucky trained as a plumber under his uncle, George Thompson, and worked for Thompson Plumbing in Black River Falls. He joined the Army and was stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri where his first daughter Margaret Ann (Peggy) was born. After his release from the Army, Mom and Dad headed back to Black River Falls where Dad once again worked with Uncle George. Their sons, Samuel James and Bradley Allen were born there. In 1957 the family moved to Washington. Audrey Mae, Scott William, and Floyd Robert were born in Olympia. There are now the six of us, and twelve grandchildren: Mandi, Michelle, Melissa, Stephanie, Jessica, Robert, Crystal and Trina, Tyler, Mizar, and Josh, and five great grandchildren: Tyler, Gracelin, Gavin, Max and Caleb. Over his 25 years as a plumber, Lucky joined and became a lifetime member of Plumbers Union Local 26. Dad was well known to be available day or night if his friends needed a hand with any plumbing problems. After his “retirement,” he began his second career with the purchase of the Melody Lane Tavern. Bradley, Audrey and Velva all worked with Mom and Dad to make the Tavern a success and a great place to play pool, darts and cribbage. With his 200+ average, The Melody Lane was a perfect fit for Lucky, as it was connected to a bowling alley. Lucky loved competition with friends be it in pool, cribbage, gin, bowling, or golf. Lucky was always looking for a pigeon to play crib with. He had many regular playing opponents—none of them as good as he thought he was... And usually he happened to be correct. There were many great cribbage tournaments at the tavern, and Lucky was always a threat to win. It was also great to watch him and friends play gin at the end of the bar. Eventually the bowling alley closed and the bar was literally rolled across the street to where the Melody Lane became Lucky’s Tavern. Lucky loved the people close to him. He was legendary for his rounds through town, visiting his favorite haunts, connecting with both old and new friends on through the years. In the last 15 years he actually wore out two trucks with his daily trips through the Thurston County area on his rounds. When not visiting with friends, or winning at cribbage and gin, Dad loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter of moose, deer, elk and even bear. There was never a lack of fresh meat in any of our freezers. Lucky made dozens of Canadian moose hunting trips. Bradley was able to go on at least ten of those trips with him. His hunting success is evident with many trophies, including a beautiful set of moose horns and a bear rug at the Thompson home. For the boys, hunting trips were filled with many lifelong lessons. For instance, after shooting three stumps in a row while grouse hunting, the boys finally convinced Dad of the value in eyewear…. for him! Of course there were fishing trips too. Lucky and the boys were known to go salmon, steelhead and trout fishing. The girls also were included, and call themselves fortunate to have the opportunity to learn to clean and gut smelt. As a true hacker, Lucky’s ability in golf was greatly surpassed by his love of the game. Through the Tavern, he put on many fine charity golf tournaments over the years. He was also an active member of the VFW and the American Legion. Dad was a legendary jokester. Most of us have been on the receiving end at one time or another of one of his practical jokes. There was nothing he liked better than a good joke and could tell them for hours; this is a trait you may have noticed now runs throughout the family. The whole family fondly remembers camping trips, and we camped every summer for as long as anyone can remember. We started out tent camping, then progressed to a camper while using the company truck to haul it. Eventually we had a family motor home, and later Lucky and Mary got one “just for them.” Our home was always open to friends passing through or staying for extended visits. We had several friends and relatives living with us for as long as they needed. Dad had a heart of gold and was always willing to share. With much of the extended family back in Wisconsin, our family made the cross-country trip to visit every four or five years. We all piled into the station wagon or camper and took off. We always took a different route so our family had the opportunity to see most of the United States and Western Canada. We wonder how many times we sang “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” as we traveled over the miles, but Mary is certain it was more than once. Lucky and Mary eventually visited all of the lower 48 states and Alaska by motor home. Regrettably, the motor home never made it to Hawaii. They loved to travel together and made trips far and wide. On one of their Alaska trips, they went all the way to Prudhoe Bay. They also made several trips to visit close and wonderful friends across the US and especially in Arizona. Dad lived a wonderful, full and loving life and loved each of us unconditionally. Mom, Peggy, Sam, Bradley, Audrey, Scott and Floyd To leave memories of Lucky or condolences for the family, please click on "View Guestbook" below.