Obituary of Harold Thompson

Harold O. Thompson, a resident at Carlas Care Center in Limon, passed away March 15, 2007 at the Lincoln Community Hospital. Harold, aka “Uncle Haroldâ€?, was born July 4, 1911 to parents Haldor and Olea Gunderson Thompson in a 14X14 shack with a sod lean-to on their homestead a few miles North of Genoa. Later, the family moved to a farm in the Walks Camp area. During the depression, Harold saved this family farm by becoming the owner and turning it into a successful operation. The farm remains in the family today. Harold was baptized September 17, 1911 by Pastor Skavland who had organized a Lutheran congregation in 1910. A church was built in 1918 which became Walks Camp Lutheran where Harold was confirmed. Later Harold was among the bachelors who occupied the back pew on the right side where the men sat. He loved this church and gave time and energy to its care even after its closure. Harold was called into the Armed Services of his country November 6, 1942 and he was honorably discharged December 7, 1945. His duties as a sheet metal worker were performed in the U. S. and Northern Africa. When B17 bombers returned from a bombing mission, it was his job to repair any damage to the metal parts and/or polish the Plexiglas or plastic components. Between missions when he was bored, he created ash trays out of scrap copper and Plexiglas heart shaped necklace pendants. As farmer, he was also a master mechanic and did enjoy fixing and maintaining his farm equipment. His shop was not only a place where he could be a fixer-upper, but to create and/or innovate something. When it became difficult for a brother to walk, Harold created an exercise pedal device (mini stationary bike) for him to exercise his leg while seated. His frugality and mechanical wizardry were also apparent in the special care he gave his cars/pickups as their odometers often reached the 200,000 miles or more mark. While on the farm, his favorite pastime was to drive around the countryside inspecting crops, enjoying the great outdoors and looking in on family members. He would have breakfast at a local café and late afternoon it was back to town for dinner where he especially enjoyed good fried chicken. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Haldor and Olea, brothers Leonard and Clifford and their wives, Cecilia and Pearl, nieces Donna Dotter and Laura Cox and nephew Scott Robb. Harold is survived by nephews Dale (Mary) Thompson, Lee (Phyllis) Thompson, Harry (Shirley) Thompson, David (Raylene) Thompson, Raymond (Margie) Thompson, and A. W. (Patricia) Thompson. Nieces are: Barbara (Alan) Robb, Anita (Robert) Cox, Anna May (Gene) Currier, and Agnes (Don) Parker. Mourning his loss also, are many great and great, great, great nieces and nephews who loved “Uncle Haroldâ€?. He will be missed by his family, friends and caregivers at Carlas Care Center who so lovingly cared for him. A celebration of his life will be March 19, 10:00 a.m. at the Love funeral Home in Limon. Following the service burial will be at Walks Camp Lutheran Cemetery. The Zion Lutheran Ladies will serve lunch at the Hub-City Senior Center. Suggestions in his memory are: Walks Camp Lutheran Church c/o Zion Lutheran, Limon, CO or Carlas Care Center, Limon, CO.