Jack Thompson

Jack Kenyon Thompson passed away at home on October 24, 2022 at the age of 71. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Carolyn Malaby, son and daughter-in-law Justin and Marie Thompson, daughter Angela Thompson Entwistle, daughter and son-in-law Thaïs and Dave Jones, and sister Jana Thompson. He also leaves beloved grandchildren Jake, Nicholas, and Ethan Thompson, Roman Thompson & Madeleine and Brooke Entwistle, and Olen and Wiley Jack Jones.

Jack was born April 14, 1951 in Bellville, Texas to Charles Lee Thompson and Iris Jean Thompson. After graduating from high school, he attended Centre College in Danville, Kentucky majoring in chemical physics, with a minor in philosophy. After working in Mississippi for the Army Corps of Engineers on the Long Beach Harbor Project, he moved to Washington State to work as a physicist in nuclear power. When a job offer from Martin Marietta at Vandenberg Air Force Base on the Space Shuttle coincided with his house burning down, he moved his young family to Santa Maria, California. He would remain with Lockheed Martin working on many remarkable space projects (as a rocket scientist!) until his retirement in 2010.

Work and his love for a certain young woman moved Jack to Denver in 1985 where he married Carolyn in 1989 (on the bicentennial of Bastille Day) and settled happily for the remainder of his life. Together, Jack and Carolyn traveled the world, homed many beloved kitties, enjoyed all things life had to offer, read voraciously, and tackled the tough tragedies that life sometimes threw at them.  Jack was known for cooking delicious soups and butter-filled holiday meals and for his many hats.  His favorite travel destinations included Egypt, Greece, London, Paris, Berlin, Istanbul and Chicago.

Jack was a generous patron of many amazing endeavors. He loved the arts and music, especially the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and Colorado Ballet and good old rock & roll, but he was just as passionate about the sciences, conservation and education. Although he supported everything he loved, Jack was particularly proud of their support of The Wild Animal Sanctuary and Refuge.  Carolyn would appreciate memorial contributions there (The Wild Animal Sanctuary, 1946 County Road 53, Keenesburg, CO  80643, phone 303.536.0118 or website http://wildanimalsanctuary.org)

More than anything, Jack loved his incredible wife and partner, Carolyn, and their children, grandchildren, and kitties (currently gingers Peachie and Lucy).

Memorial services will be announced at a later date.