Thompson

Thomas Harry Thompson, known to many as “Tom” or “Tommy” passed to the other side on Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, at the age of 73 years, after a hard fought battle with cancer.

Tommy was born in Slippery Rock, on March 15, 1948, to Harry Paul and Sara Emma Thompson.

Tommy was a 1966 graduate of Slippery Rock High School, and went on to earn degrees from Butler County Community College and Slippery Rock University before joining the U.S. Army. Tommy proudly served as an E6 with the 173rd Airborne Rangers during Vietnam, and was a highly decorated combat veteran. He received multiple Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star and many other accolades. He remained active in veterans organizations his entire life.

After his Army life, Tommy headed west where his passion for hunting and fishing landed him in Gunnison, Colo. Tom made a career working in Southwestern Colorado in construction, as an elk hunting outfitter, and with the U.S. Park Service-Curecanti. He also taught outdoor survival and hunter education. His love for the outdoors and his love for life allowed him many beloved friends from all walks of life.

Tom loved telling stories to his many friends, and everyone has a Tom story to remember! Tom was a father and grandfather figure to many. He was eager to teach kids how to shoot a gun, throw a tomahawk, ride a horse, fish, and explore the great outdoors.

Tommy was loved by many. His wit, kindness, and generosity will be sorely missed. In retirement, Tommy enjoyed gardening, camping, fishing, golfing, traveling and hunting. He spent winters in Tucson, Ariz., and summers in Gunnison, Colo. In his last few months, he moved to Highlands Ranch, Colo., where he enjoyed bonding with his two young grandchildren, daughter and son-in-law.

Tommy is survived by his daughter, Sarah (Brett) Kotal; his grandson, Carter, and granddaughter, Charlotte, all of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; his two sisters, Lois Thompson-Zimmerman of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Paula Thompson-Green of Slippery Rock; as well as his brother, Herb Thompson, also of Slippery Rock; and by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

It was Tommy’s wish to be cremated and have his ashes spread over his favorite places high in his beloved Rocky Mountains and some on the family farm in Pennsylvania.

He desired no service but was hopeful that his friends and family would toast a beer in his memory while listening to his favorite Pink Floyd song, “Another Brick in the Wall.”

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.