It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Lee Thompson, who departed this life peacefully on February 6, in Ferndale, Washington at the age of 68, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on December 18, 1957, in Whidbey Island, Washington.

During his childhood, Don lived in multiple places, including Midway Island and Japan. After graduating from Lemoore High School in California in 1976, Don joined the U.S Army for three years, then moved to the U.S. Navy, where he was an Aviation Electrician and Chief Petty Officer. During his time in the Navy, Don was stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and called Whatcom County home from that time on. Don retired from the Navy after over 20 years of service, then had a career as an Electrical Engineer at Alpha Technologies in Bellingham, Washington.

Don was a member and leader of Prodigal Men’s Ministries for over 20 years, where he grew in his faith and continued his leadership of men. Don was an avid outdoorsman, partaking in fishing, hunting, camping, and boating. He loved golfing, snowboarding, and playing men’s league ice hockey, where he was a frequent visitor to the penalty box. Don traveled the world in his adulthood and spent his winters of retirement in Arizona with his wife Kathy and their dogs. Don’s favorite thing in life was being a loving grandfather to his six grandchildren.

Donald is survived by his wife of 25 years, Kathy Herndon; sons, Louis (Gabrielle), Phillip, and Nicholas (Markie) Thompson; stepsons Kellan (Christie) Herndon and Trevor (Natalie) Post; grandchildren, Ainsley, Findlay, Clover, Leon, Rowan, and Cedar; sisters Renee Thompson, Kimberly Nelms, and Paula (Christopher) Hall; and many nieces and nephews. Don is preceded in death by his parents Clifford Paul and Kathryn Thompson.

A memorial service will be held on February 19th, 1pm, at Cornwall Church, 4518 Northwest Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98226.