Gary R. Thompson – 65 – of 368 Ontario St., Hornell, died Saturday evening (May 16, 2015) at Rochester General Hospital, following a long illness.
A native and life resident of Hornell, he was born July 27, 1949, and was the son of Kenneth & Vesta “Jean” (Graham) Thompson.
Gary grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1967). Following graduation, he worked briefly on the “road crew” for the Hornell Department of Public Works.
In 1969, he was drafted in to the US Army and served his country until his Honorable Discharge in 1971. He was a member of the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry, 198th Brigade Americal Division (Long Range Recon). While serving in the Army, Gary was stationed for about a year in Viet Nam where he was wounded twice. He was the recipient of the 2 Bronze Stars and also Purple Heart Medal. Gary was exceptionally patriotic and proud of his military service.
Following his discharge from the military, Gary returned to work for the Hornell Department of Public Works in several capacities. In 1975, he began working at the Hornell Waste Water Treatment Plant where he remained until his retirement in 2005 as Chief Operator.
A talented craftsman & an exceptional woodworker, Gary was able to make just about anything out of wood. He enjoyed spending the summer months at his cottage at Silver Lake. He was a former member of the Hornell American Legion and the Hornell VFW.
Gary will forever be remembered as a “funny guy” with a quick wit a fantastic sense of humor. He could easily put a smile on everyone’s face with his humorous remarks and NO ONE WAS SAFE!! Gary had a deep love and appreciation of music. He had a beautiful voice and loved playing guitar & singing. He will be sadly missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him.
He was married on August 2, 1968 to the former Barbara Putallaz who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters, Denise L. (Monte Trimble) Thompson of Arkport and Lorri (Alec) Lauzze of Victor, NY; 1 son, Mark R. Thompson of Reno, NV; 1 brother, Kenneth (Diane) Thompson of Perry, NY; 5 grandchildren, Alec Lauzze, Luke Lauzze, Natalie Trimble, Mia Trimble and Evan Trimble; several nieces & nephews.
Although Gary always said that he wanted a “Viking Funeral” at Silver Lake, the family of Gary R. Thompson will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a Memorial Service with full military honors will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.
Gary’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to The Disabled American Veterans Association, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form.
In honor of Gary’s service to his country as a member of the US Army, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.
Tho are paths only crossed once, it is one I will never forget. I had the pleasure of meeting Gary and spending a weekend of boating & fishing on Lake Mead.
“On A Cloud”
I was a wise man
I lived my life
As if tomorrow wasn’t there
I loved my people
I walked the line
Now I’m flyin’ through the air
On a cloud
Lookin’ down
Tell my brothers that I love ’em
Tell my sisters that I’m free
Tell my children, oh how I miss ’em
But Heaven’s waitin’ there for me
And I’m flying like a bird
It’s everything that you heard
Keep your eyes up in the sky
You might see me sailing by
Farewell fine people
We’ll meet again
In a better time and place
A look toward the Heaven
When I cross your mind
You just might see my face
On a cloud
Lookin’ down
Perfect tribute to Gary. Everyone loved him. There was a big group of us that grew up together. Even our kids took to him. Always a smile and a laugh. A humble good man.
my condolences to Gary’s family. What a guy! Like it or not you always knew where you stood with Gary, and where he stood on topics. It seems like yesterday that we were playing kick the can on the corners of Scott and Ontario streets or sledding down the snowy hills of winter. The neighborhood had great times with the Thompson boys and Gary’s humor was a big part of that. He left us too soon. As the song lyrics say “I just turned around and he’s gone”. God bless.
Our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Cherish the good memories and smiles of Gary. We will always remember him and he will be greatly missed.
Love always,
Jeanette, Mike, Michelle and Kassidy
Becky is right..with Gary you knew where you stood. I was his next door neighbor from the late 50’s to the early 70’s. The nights Gary would catch my sisters and I peeking at him as he sat on his porch..Gary knew we were there and he’d yell “ok Hutchinson girls I know you’re there..you need to learn to hide better” then we’d giggle and he’d laugh. When I moved out of my parents home in the 70’s I had no intention of living in the neighborhood again but then that changed in a few short years when I moved to Duane Street and a shortcut through the yard took me to Gary and Barb’s porch. My husband and I enjoyed our visits with them..our son would play with Mark and Lori while we adults chatted about the latest wine Gary was brewing..you couldn’t tell what it was by the fragrance that filled the air. Not too long ago Gary and I had a nice long chat about our art and memories of our youth and how time was flying by too quickly. Well dear friend enjoy your new wings..you earned them.
I have known Gary since we were freshman at Hornell High School. Gary had a zest for life and his humor was unsurpassed. I agree with my wife Becky that you always and I mean always knew where you stood with Gary. He was an American Hero and strongly believed in his convictions. I will personally miss his honesty, humor and love for his country. RIP my friend.