In Memory Of
Robert F. Thompson
1935
2020
Robert F. Thompson
August 6, 1935 — December 20, 2020
Robert "Bob" Francis Thompson, 85, of Leawood, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2020. He was surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born on August 6, 1935 to Francis and Minna Florence (Rohde) Thompson in Astoria, New York. On September 16, 1967, he married Sandra Jacqueline Thompson (George) in New York City. In 1986 they moved to Leawood, Kansas with their two daughters, Alexis and Silke.
Bob grew up in Astoria, New York in a working class neighborhood. He was raised by a single mother, as his own dad passed away when he was just 13. Bob went to work right away, taking odd jobs to help the family. He graduated high school at age 16 and was offered a chance to attend Stanford University. Being the family man he was, he declined the offer so he could stay in New York and be close to his mother and younger brother.
At age 20, he enlisted in the army and served in Iceland for half of his tour. When he returned home, he attended City College of New York, which was tuition free for students with a superior grade point average. He received his BBA and later attended Adelphi University in Long Island where he received his MBA. During all of this time, he supported himself, working during the days and going to school at nights.
After he graduated, Bob worked his way up the ladder, starting as a clerk at Metropolitan Life Insurance and ending as the President and CEO of the Canadian division of Home Office Reference Laboratory.
When he started his own family, he made sure to fill life with love, support, adventure and so much laughter. Bob was a great father to his daughters, father-in-law to his sons-in-law and a special "Pops" to his granddaughters. On every birthday he would call and sing "Happy Birthday" to each family member, no matter their age.
Most people remember Bob as being one of the funniest and kindest people they knew. His quick wit was unmatched and his ability to "see" people was a gift. There wasn't a stranger that walked by that Bob didn't talk to and make laugh. The stories and memories are plentiful, and we take comfort in being able to laugh our way through our grief. I guess, if you know, you know, and you will think of the stories and laugh aloud, as we do.
He loved to travel to Europe where he made new friends and fond memories. He spent vacations in Spain, Italy, Portugal and France with family and close friends. Trips were enhanced by good wine, good food and good company. One could never forget traveling with Bob! His zest for life was contagious.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Sandra; daughters, Alexis Bossi (Eric) and Silke Thompson (Mac Hedges); granddaughters, Laney Bossi and Collins Bossi.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Minna Florence Thompson and brother, John Thompson.
A private service will be held at Leavenworth National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Children's Mercy Heart Center in Bob's memory. It holds a special place in our "heart". To donate, please copy and paste the following link into your web browser:
https://support.childrensmercy.org/bobthompson
To leave a special message for his family, press the "Share Memories" button above.
Bob grew up in Astoria, New York in a working class neighborhood. He was raised by a single mother, as his own dad passed away when he was just 13. Bob went to work right away, taking odd jobs to help the family. He graduated high school at age 16 and was offered a chance to attend Stanford University. Being the family man he was, he declined the offer so he could stay in New York and be close to his mother and younger brother.
At age 20, he enlisted in the army and served in Iceland for half of his tour. When he returned home, he attended City College of New York, which was tuition free for students with a superior grade point average. He received his BBA and later attended Adelphi University in Long Island where he received his MBA. During all of this time, he supported himself, working during the days and going to school at nights.
After he graduated, Bob worked his way up the ladder, starting as a clerk at Metropolitan Life Insurance and ending as the President and CEO of the Canadian division of Home Office Reference Laboratory.
When he started his own family, he made sure to fill life with love, support, adventure and so much laughter. Bob was a great father to his daughters, father-in-law to his sons-in-law and a special "Pops" to his granddaughters. On every birthday he would call and sing "Happy Birthday" to each family member, no matter their age.
Most people remember Bob as being one of the funniest and kindest people they knew. His quick wit was unmatched and his ability to "see" people was a gift. There wasn't a stranger that walked by that Bob didn't talk to and make laugh. The stories and memories are plentiful, and we take comfort in being able to laugh our way through our grief. I guess, if you know, you know, and you will think of the stories and laugh aloud, as we do.
He loved to travel to Europe where he made new friends and fond memories. He spent vacations in Spain, Italy, Portugal and France with family and close friends. Trips were enhanced by good wine, good food and good company. One could never forget traveling with Bob! His zest for life was contagious.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Sandra; daughters, Alexis Bossi (Eric) and Silke Thompson (Mac Hedges); granddaughters, Laney Bossi and Collins Bossi.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Minna Florence Thompson and brother, John Thompson.
A private service will be held at Leavenworth National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Children's Mercy Heart Center in Bob's memory. It holds a special place in our "heart". To donate, please copy and paste the following link into your web browser:
https://support.childrensmercy.org/bobthompson
To leave a special message for his family, press the "Share Memories" button above.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert F. Thompson, please visit our flower store.
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