David Warren Thompson

David Warren Thompson died peacefully at home on Oct. 19 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

David was born June 26, 1935, in St. Johns, to Warren Jay Thompson and Ruth Ella Meyer Thompson.

The family moved to Svensen in 1943 and began farming. It was during these years that David developed a deep appreciation for the land, flora and wildlife. His little sister, Fae, loved to accompany David on his many woodland wanderings; this is when she acquired the nickname, “Thunderfoot.”

When he was 19, he and his dad traveled to Sagehen in Eastern Oregon to hunt deer. David returned every year since, camping in the same camp. He loved it, and the time spent around the fire recounting hunts from the years prior.

David graduated from Knappa High School in 1952. On Jan. 21, 1956, he married A. Colleen Enge Thompson in Westport. They soon started a family and moved to Youngs River. Family adventures were many and often.

Dave loved to teach his children about nature and how to respect it. He also taught them how to hunt, fish, dig clams, camp, water ski, cut wood and find their way through the logging roads. He was still falling trees and cutting wood up until his illness.

He took up snow skiing in his 50s. He loved to challenge himself, and push-mowed his 3-acre lawn to stay in shape. He could repair or build anything. At the age of 10, he began repairing his parents’ car. He loved reading about local history, accounts of World War II and the Bible.

He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

His career as a master mechanic began at Nyquist Motors. He then worked for Ernie Garcia Ford, Johnson Motors, retiring in 1998 from Warrenton Auto and Marine. In those years, he also worked nights as a casual longshoreman and taught at Clatsop Community College, making him one of the first instructors of the automotive apprentice program.

He served as secretary for the Local 1179 International Association of Machinists Union, and served as state delegate for District Lodge 24 for many years, hosting an annual crab feed for the delegates.

His wife of 38 years died in 1994. On July 3, 1997, he married Barbara Lee Carkuff Holthusen, adding three Holthusen boys, their wives and families to his family.

Dave and Barbara decided early that Jesus would be the center of their marriage. They attended Hilltop Church of the Nazarene, both of them serving faithfully. At the heart of every day, Jesus was central.

Dave is survived by his wife and best friend, Barbara; children, Jeanne (Jack) Edwards, Don (Alice) Thompson, Suzi (Mike) Balensifer, Kathi (Steve) Dobbins, Chris Holthusen, Wesley (Mandy) Holthusen and Darrell (Jodie) Holthusen; grandchildren, Nicole Brown, Kevin Dobbins, Marquis Walker, Elise Bigelow, Jason Dobbins, Keira Holthusen, Jenessa Edwards, Henry Balensifer, Daniel Thompson, Jordan Burnard, Olivia Burgess, Shasia Fry, Kamille Reintjes, Heidi Knutson, Craig Dobbins, Taylor Holthusen, Hannah Davis, Jacob Dobbins, Bronson Holthusen, Jacob Holthusen, Ethan Holthusen, Ethan Bond and Alex Bond; and 28 great-grandchildren, with three more on the way.

He is also survived by his sister, Naomi (Gene) Brown; and brothers-in-law, Eino Ritola and Jim Enge.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Ruth Thompson; his wife, Colleen; sister, Fae Ritola; and grandson Bryan S. Edwards.

A memorial will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 4 at Hilltop Church of the Nazarene, 725 Niagara Ave.; memorial contributions can be made to the church (hilltopnazarene.org).