In Memoriam: Paul A. Thompson ’63

Paul Thompson, ’63, died Dec. 5, 2022, at age 83.

He was a member of the Oregon Shriners Football Team and graduated from Springfield High School in 1957. While in high school, a friend bet him a dime that he couldn't win the state diving championship. He took that bet, trained for two weeks and won the 1957 state high school diving championship. Thompson also held high school and college javelin records. While at Pacific University, he played football and received the all-conference lineman award. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Pursuing a love of sports and teaching, he became a coach at David Douglas High School, Portland State University, and the Multnomah Athletic Club. In 1972, he began an amazing career at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center in Portland as the athletic director.  He also held the same position in Dallas, Texas, from 1985 to 1996, at the Jewish Community Center there.

Upon retiring, Thompson and his wife, Nancy, returned to their roots and built a beautiful home in the McKenzie River Valley. He began his next chapter as a master wood carver in their new home. He carved beautiful carousel horses, two of which are featured on the Albany Carousel. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed many winter seasons with his group of friends in Yuma, Ariz.

Thompson was preceded in death by his loving wife and high school sweetheart, Nancy Thompson; and brothers, Tom and Bill. He is survived by children, David Thompson (Doreen), and Paula Thompson; grandchildren, Sarah, Shelby, Mitch, Persia and Roya; three great-grandchildren, Reagan, Chloe, Sadie; and sister, Michele Kallberg (Jerry).