Ralph Wallace Thompson

Ralph Wallace Thompson

Oct. 14, 1934 - Oct. 17, 2024

Ralph Wallace Thompson passed peacefully at home from cancer on October 17th, 2024, three days after celebrating his 90th birthday with loved ones. Ralph was born on October 14,1934 in Chicago, IL to Elliot and Thelma Thompson. He grew up in Downers Grove, IL with his older brother, Ronnie, and older sister, Carol. Ralph's mother, Thelma, passed away at age 29 in 1939. His father, Elliot, married Mabel Casperson in 1940 and together they had two children: Mark Thompson and Robert Thompson. Ralph enjoyed playing "war" with his brothers in nearby empty lots with dilapidated foundations. He earned money doing a paper route on his bicycle.

Ralph graduated from Downers Grove High School in 1953 where he was a pole vaulter on the track team. He loved reading his high-school newsletters. After high school he and his best friend, Leonard Fedor, enlisted with the Marines. They remained friends until Leonard's death in 2017. He served our country as a Marine for 3 years and upon honorable discharge, attended school on his GI bill and graduated from DeVry Technical School in 1962 with an associate's degree in electronics. He worked briefly for RCA and the Early Warning System in Greenland.

Ralph met the love of his life when answering an ad for an apartment for rent. Shirley and her mother, Lena, were renting a room, and Ralph became their tenant. Ralph and Shirley began dating and were married on June 27th, 1964. They started a family and moved to Boulder in 1968. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in June 2024.

Ralph went to work for Ball Aerospace in Boulder in 1968 while raising his family. He built and tested components for Hubble and Costar. He was highly regarded and received numerous awards for exemplary performance and dedication. Ralph enjoyed working for Ball and was a member of the golf team.

The Thompson family moved to Niwot in 1978, where Ralph farmed, built, and implemented innovations such as "pay t.v." so his kids didn't watch too much television! Ralph and Shirley have resided in Niwot since 1978.

Ralph was a faithful and generous man. He loved God, his family, his country and people. He kept notes of names and details of people he met so as not to forget. He adored his wife, children, and grandchildren. As a follower of Jesus Christ, he has always been involved in church-life community.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Thompson of 60+ years. Also, his children, Liz Roche (Brian) of Albuquerque, NM, Lydia Anna Thompson of Niwot, and Matthew Thompson (Cindy) of Tempe, AZ. His cherished grandchildren: Alyssa Roche, Tabor Roche, and Zephan Roche. Nolan Thompson, Molly Thompson, and Owen Thompson. Additionally, he is survived by his loving brother, Mark Thompson (Maryann) his brother-in-law, Al Adams, his beloved nieces and nephews, Elvis Adams, Eileen Marta (Walt) and family, Eloise "Ellie" Hernandez and family, Elise Schmutzler (Herb) and family, Edwin Adams (Debbie) and family, Ellen Burke (Jim) and family. Mark Thompson (Fred) and Erik Thompson.

Ralph is preceded in death by his birth mother, Thelma Eileen Thompson (Graeff), his father, Elliot Bertrum Thompson, his mother, Mabel Thompson (Casperson), his brothers, Ronald Thompson and Robert (Bert) Thompson, and his sister, Carol Adams.

We will honor the life and character of Ralph on October 29th at 11:00. The location is City Church Boulder and will be officiated by Pastor Drake Elkins. Please come if you are able. Ralph generously gave to many charitable organizations and please consider donations in lieu of flowers to any of the following charities: Samaritan's Purse, A Thousand Hills, St. Bonaventure Indian Mission and School, and The Wounded Warrior Project.

Ralph's family would like to extend heart-felt thanks to Joann, City Church Boulder and church family both past and present, Friends of the family, the beautiful neighbors of Cottonwood Park West, Dr. Holly Lewis, Trail Winds Hospice, and the amazing medical staff at Boulder Community Hospital.