Elmer Allen "Al" Thompson was born May 13, 1922, in Sceptre, Saskatchewan, and passed away April 4, 2009, at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mt. Vernon, Washington. He was a loving husband, caring father, devoted brother, and fun-loving grandfather and great grandfather. Al is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Gwen; his son Richard Thompson and his wife Vicki; his daughter Diane Thompson; 3 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; one sister Alice; and numerous nieces and nephews. Al served his country during World War II in the United States Coast Guard. After the war, he began a long career in the retail grocery business as a clerk for Tradewell Stores and was the president of Tradewell Stores and Prairie Markets when he retired in 1985. Al was a lifelong Husky fan and he was one of the founding members of Husky Fever. Al and Gwen were married May 31, 1942, and were deeply in love to the end. In 1971 while living in Bellevue, Al and Gwen purchased a second home on Big Lake. The family has many happy memories of boating, barbequing, family reunions, and holidays on the lake. Al retired in 1985 and they lived on Big Lake until 1995. In 1995, they moved to their current home in Mt. Vernon. Al loved Skagit Valley. He and Gwen spent their happiest years in Skagit County. Al was active in Kiwanis, Friendship House, the Elks, his church, and other community organizations. His yard was filled with beautiful flowers every spring and summer. He loved spending time with his coffee and golf buddies. Family was Al's first priority. He especially delighted in his grandchildren and great grandchildren. A celebration of Al's life will be held at First United Methodist Church, 1607 East Division, Mt. Vernon, Washington, on Saturday, April 18th at 2:00 p.m. with reception to follow immediately afterward. In lieu of flowers donations are suggested to Friendship House of Mt. Vernon or First United Methodist Church of Mt. Vernon.