Delwin Thompson

POCATELLO - Delwin "Del" Thompson, 72, passed away July 15, 2010, after a long battle with PSC liver disease. He died at home surrounded by family. Del was born September 1, 1937, to Wanda May Fowler and Marvin James Thompson. He attended grade school in Ogden, Utah, through the 5 th grade. After the family moved to Pocatello he attended Emerson Elementary, Irving Jr. High and Pocatello High School. He graduated from Pocatello High School with the class of 1956. After high school he enrolled in the United States Navy. While stationed at Treasure Island he met his wife Roberta Ball. They were married August 4, 1957. They were later sealed in the Los Angeles Temple. After Del's military service they moved to Salt Lake City for a short while. They later moved to Modesto, California where Roberta had grown up. That became their home for 30 years. They raised their family there. Del spent most of his life in sales. He sold Life Insurance early in his career and returned to the insurance industry for a brief time later in life. He moved his family back to Pocatello in the 1970's and managed the old Bannock Hotel. When they returned to California he tried a number of sales jobs. However, his true love was always the Kirby business. He ran a Kirby distributorship for nearly 30 years. He was a master salesman and had an amazing way of working with people. He was always known for his hard work, integrity and his sales ability. When he was in Jr. High School he started doing lip sync. He started with Al Jolson and later added Johnny Ray and Ray Stevens. It became a life-long hobby for him. During High School he participated in many assemblies and talent shows, which he often won. After he and Roberta were married he learned to do Elvis and that became his trademark. Throughout the years he has performed in many places doing Elvis. His last performance was just before his 70 th birthday, and he brought the house down. He always said he didn't just want to be remembered for doing Elvis. However, it was a big part of his life. In addition to his lip sync he also served as Master of Ceremonies for many different occasions. In 1985 Roberta passed away and Del returned to Pocatello. He met Sally Sams Matthews and they were married on August 23, 1985. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. They would have celebrated their 25 th wedding anniversary in August this year. They had many opportunities to travel. He qualified for many trips through the Kirby business, so they were able to see the world. They have many good memories of the places they visited. They also had the opportunity to pick up a missionary son in Japan, and to take various trips with family. They have many good memories with the family boat and jet skis. They also snow skied up until Del's health worsened. They also loved to dance. Del was a great dancer and enjoyed dancing whenever they had the opportunity. They also enjoyed a number of years of square dancing. Del was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He became active after marrying Roberta and remained faithful throughout his life. He served in many callings. He served as a Seventy and was involved in missionary work for a number of years. He taught early morning seminary. He served in the Bishopric of a single adult ward, and on the High Council. He and Sally served in the Idaho Falls Temple for over three years. His favorite calling was always that of teacher. He was a master communicator and loved sharing his knowledge of the gospel. Del was loved by everyone who knew him. He was the ultimate gentleman and always put others first. His kind and caring ways and his wisdom will be greatly missed. Dell is survived by his wife Sally, children Kym Thompson of Midvale, UT, Eric Thompson of Palm Springs, CA, Dan Thompson (Sharon) of Eagle, ID, Patti Hurst (Ron) of Kaysville, UT, Michael Thompson of Cedar City, UT, Michele Matthews Sabel, and Melissa Matthews Nielsen (Josh) of Pocatello; 23 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; two brothers Jim (Sharon) Thompson of Salt Lake City, UT, and Jerry (Margaret) Thompson of Farmington, UT; mother-in-law Bessie Sams of Boise, ID. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Roberta, his step-son Michael Matthews and a granddaughter Jenna Thompson. The family wishes to give thanks to Creekside Hospice and the care they gave to him at the end of his life. They would also like to thank Dr. Darryl Cook and staff. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 20, 2010, at the Johnny Creek LDS Ward Chapel, 5425 South Bannock Highway with Bishop Rick Parker conducting. A viewing will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 19, at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 South 4 th Ave, and also from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.Colonial-FuneralHome.com.