Rodney 'Rod' Eugene Thompson, 68

Rodney “Rod” Eugene Thompson, 68, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 07, 2013, at his daughter’s home in Bonners Ferry.

He was born in Seton, Il., on Nov. 10, 1945, to John W. Thompson and Fern Thompson. He had two siblings Jerry Thompson, Santa Rosa, Calif., and a sister Linda Sue Hardman, Brighton, Colorado.

Throughout his years he resided in Woodland, Calif, Carson City and Dayton, Nev., Laclede and Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Troy, Mont., the Libby Care Center, Yaak, Mont., and his final last year with his daughter Tala in Bonners Ferry.

Rod work as a mechanic throughout his life. In his earlier years Rod raced outlaws and sprint cars throughout Nevada, California and Arizona.

He loved to go fishing along the Clark Fork River in Noxon, Mont.

In November 2002, Rod met his partner Richelle Rode.

In 2003 Rod at the age of 57, got a surprise of a lifetime with only a eleven days notice for the arrival of his baby girl who he named Tala Arella Thompson (Tala native American meaning “wolf”), (Arella meaning “Angel Messenger”) Thompson.

Tala was born a preemie and was born with many obstacles ahead. Rod spent the next seven years sharing his life with his daughter. Rod took charge as a proud papa and spent his last year by his daughter’s side until his health could no longer.

He is survived by his daughter Tala Arella Thompson of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; his mother, Fern Thompson, of Canoga Park, Calif., a sister Linda Sue Hardman of Brighton, Colo.; and one brother, Jerry Thompson of Santa Rosa, Calif., plus many close friends throughout the northern Idaho and western Montana.

Rod proceeds in death next to his dear friend Chief Raymond Abraham of Kootenai Tribe of Idaho.

Rod (Papa) will be missed by his daughter Tala Arella Thompson and his close friends.

Thank you to the caregivers at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital, Libby Care Center and Lincoln County Hospice and Dr. LaCoy for the care and you have given Rod.

There will be no memorial services. Arrangements are by Bonners Ferry Funeral Home. Celebration of Life will be scheduled in the early summer of 2014. You are invited to leave condolences and share memories at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com.