Keith Richard Thompson
Keith Richard Thompson
September 4, 1936 - January 26, 2020
Keith Richard Thompson, 83, passed away Sunday, January 26, 2020.
Husband, father, Army veteran, adventurer, avid fishing, hunting and camping outdoorsman, world-traveler, race-car driver, and occasionally ornery old-man.
Keith was married to Cleo Dolphus Thompson, whom he called “my beautiful bride” for all 54 years of their marriage. He wooed Cleo with his legendary handsome looks, exciting spirit, and his ‘56 Thunderbird.
Keith served in the United States Army during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Followed by a long career as a Project Manager with the international construction company Morrison-Knudsen – which spirited him to adventures in Vietnam, Singapore, and the Ukraine, and with his wife and their two children to the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and the Philippines.
Keith’s stories of his travel and escapades were renowned: from riding camels with Saudi royalty, to working through the coup of Marcos in the Philippines and rebuilding the US Embassies in Tanzania & Kenya after the bombings. Always the adventurer, just before his passing at 83 he was still egging his brother and buddies for ATV excursions and planning a camping trip to Yellowstone with his grandchildren.
Despite his wandering spirit, Keith always kept his foundations and loyalties grounded in Idaho. He was born in Weiser, Idaho on September 4, 1936, and went to Weiser’s Sunnyside Elementary School all the way through graduation at Weiser High School with the same five best friends still living today, including Darrel Krause of Weiser, Idaho. After his retirement from 33 years with MK, he returned to Payette, Idaho with his wife, and remained there until his death.
Predeceased by his parents Jim and Vera Thompson, brother Verl Thompson, son Brent Thompson, nephew Gary Thompson, and one of his best friends, sister-in-law Valerie Dolphus. Survived by his wife Cleo Dolphus Thompson, brother Lane Thompson, daughter Heather Dawn Thompson, grandchildren TahnagliWin (“Tahna”) Rose-Thompson, Waleah Rose, and Rayevan Lightning Fire, nephew Donny Thompson, nieces Kristi Thompson Kosbab and Wanda Thompson and her son Shane Thompson, and his many in-laws, nieces and nephews, and their children and grandchildren on the Dolphus side of his family who always remained an integral part of his life.
Keith’s deep love for his beautiful wife Cleo and his children Brent and Heather never went a day unsaid.
Keith’s memorial will be held in the Spring, details will be announced later. Condolences may be sent to Keith’s family at www.shafferjensen.com
