Kenneth Dwaine Thompson passed away peacefully in his sleep during the early morning hours of Dec. 24, 2025 at 90 years old.
Ken was born in Jerome, Idaho to Willis and Esther Thompson, Sept 14, 1935. He was the oldest of six brothers and one sister. Being raised on a ranch, he spent much of his early life working with cattle and riding horses. He quickly learned the value of hard work and integrity. These ethics served him well throughout his life.
Ken graduated from Jerome High School in 1953. He enjoyed school, and especially participating in sports. Within the next nine years he accomplished many things; Teaching at Appleton Elementary School (Jerome, ID), serving a two-year mission for his church, and fulfilling his military duties with the Army National Guard and the Air Force Reserves. He graduated with a B.S. from BYU and a Master's degree at WSU. He was also a recruit to serve with the newly formed Peace Corps in Puerto Rico.
In 1963 he married Bonnie Williams, a former airline stewardess and LDS missionary, and moved to Mount Vernon, where he started a family and began his coaching and teaching career at Skagit Valley College. He started a soccer program, was the head baseball coach, assistant basketball coach, and the women's tennis coach. He also started a Senior Fitness Program and a Senior Cardiac Rehab class. He loved SVC, his job, colleagues, and the many students who called him "Coach."
Ken was an active member of the LDS church where he held many callings and was involved with the church's High Council. Church and community were especially important to him. Other activities he was involved with include being the Director of the YMCA day camp at Camp Anderson (lake 16), sports broadcasting with Dennis Wills on KBRC Radio, and Volunteer Police Patrol. He and his wife were part of the Skagit Valley Hospital's Spiritual Care program, and he loved being an SVC booster until the day he passed.
Ken was a devoted Husband and Father. His other loves include a good football game (Go Cougs!), music, and performing old cowboy songs with his guitar. He was also known as an exceptional yodeler.
Ken is survived by his wife Bonnie; Children, Staci Pulver (Derek), Quinn Thompson (Tracy), Starla Lamb (Ed). His grandchildren; Hannah McMannis (Andrew), Gideon Lamb (Rhiley), Jorgen Lamb, Cody Pulver (Anna), Austin Pulver (Carolyn), Lacey Pulver, Tasia Rodgers, Tristen Vail (Ricky Vance), Logan Fox (Elizabeth), and 13 great grandchildren. Siblings; Farrell (AnnaVee), Kurt (Linda), Lynn (Ken Longmore), Lon (Nancy), Craig (Roberta), Foster Brother; Charlie Sitting Bull (Nicole), and a whole slew of Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and Brother, Larry Thompson.
Ken will be laid to rest at Hawthorne Memorial Park, close to Skagit Valley College, where he always wanted to be.
Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 1700 E HAZEL ST / MT VERNON, WA 98274, Friday, January 9, 2026 at 12:00/Noon, followed by a private family graveside service.