Edward Wayne Thompson, 73

Edward Wayne Thompson, 73, left this world Monday, Feb. 16, 2009, to begin his journey along the stars back to the Creator’s land, a place of living light where he will be embraced by those who have gone on before.

At Wayne’s request, there will be no funeral services. A celebration of his life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at his home at 7412 Cassia St., Bonners Ferry. Family and friends are welcome.

Wayne was born Aug. 12, 1935, in Washougal, Wash., to Alexander and Ella Thompson.

Wayne’s younger years were spent in Spokane, Wash., but he often talked about Peone Prairie and staying with his grandparents.

Wayne was a longtime resident of Sandpoint.

He loved working in the woods, but also delivered concrete and managed R & E Payless in Algoma.

In the mid 1970s, Wayne and his family worked for Carl May, building portions of the Pacific Crest Trail in the Siskiyou Mountains. There were many fond memories of camping and arrowhead hunting on weekends, and spending quality time with his children.

Wayne also lived and worked in Polson, Mont.; Palmer, Alaska; and Angel’s Camp, Calif.

After returning to Sandpoint in 1989, Wayne worked for Randy Ross, who was also a great friend.

There was hardly a day Wayne didn’t look forward to work because he enjoyed the camaraderie of the crew and anyone who worked in the woods beside him.

Wayne was known for his practical jokes and quick wit. He had a great love of the outdoors, whether at work, camping, fishing or hunting with family and friends.

It was family and friends who made those times special to him. He will be greatly missed by all.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 30 years, Connie Thompson; children Charlie (Nikki) Thompson in Sagle, Debbie (Gordon) DeLong in Anaconda, Mont., and Michael (Kristi) Thompson in Sandpoint; stepchildren, Todd (Sarah) Mitchell and Mark (Tammie) Mitchell, all of Sagle, Ginger (Barry) Bump in Bonners Ferry, and Becky (Greg) Jones in Grey Cliff, Mont.; grandchildren Larisa (Manuel) Roger in Sagle, Jessica, Samantha and Audra Potter, Tyrel, Jesse and Jared DeLong, Sarah and Travis Thompson, Sophia (Kyle) Baker, Mamie and Adrian Mitchell, Kayla and Mark Mitchell, Jaylee and Haylee Ludolph, Tona Yates, and Cassie and Lexie Jones; and great-grandchildren Nolan Angell, Cort Bollom, Abigail Baker and Gabriel J. Wayne Roger; siblings Jerry (Glenda) Thompson in Spokane and Ann (Chuck) Wilkinson in Provo, Utah; several nieces and nephews; and his aunt Hattie (Glen) Long of Sagle.