Tom Thompson:
CLASS OF 1959
Bismarck High SchoolClass of 1959
Bismarck, ND
University of North DakotaClass of 1966
Grand forks, ND
Bismarck State CollegeClass of 1961
Bismarck, ND
Roosevelt Elementary SchoolClass of 1953
Bismarck, ND
Tom's Story
It would certainly be more interesting to visit Classmates.com if someone would at least fill in some information about themselves other than the "my favorite" items, but no one ever does. So I will.
I am now retired. After graduating from BHS I eventually earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from UND and took a job as a Laboratory Test Engineer for The Trane Company in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. I worked there for 3-1/2 years and got married while there.
In the fall of 1969 I returned to Bismarck to work in the family business. For those of you who don't know, the family business is H. A. Thompson & Sons, a plumbing, heating and air conditioning (read mechanical) contractor. The business was started by my grandfather in 1908 and I became president of the company in 1975 when my father retired. My younger brother Mark (BHS '66, and also a UND Mechanical Engineering graduate) and I operated the business until last year when I sold my interest in the business to him.
The business proudly celebrated 100 years in business this last May with a large gathering of people from the area. My brother and I are extremely proud of the fact that the business is not only still around, but still successful as well. Reaching 100 years old in a family business still owned and operated by the same family is a rare feat.
During those years I became the proud father of two girls and am now the proud grandfather of two grandsons. My oldest grandson is a junior at BHS.
Both of my daughters now live in Bismarck as well.
During my years in business I was active in contractor association affairs, both at the state and national levels, ending with a term on the board of directors for the National Association of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors, a 4000 member association.
I also served on the Bismarck City Board of Adjustment for 12 years followed by 12 more years on the Bismarck City Planning and Zoning Commission. It was a pleasure to be a part of the growth that the city has experienced.
I had planned on spending my winters at this age in a sunny place like Arizona, but it didn't work out that way. Bismarck is one of the nicest places in the country ...Expand for more
to live. My involvement in association affairs took me to many many places in the USA, and I never found one I liked better than Bismarck, although the Phoenix area ranks right up there.
I have maintained contact with several classmates over the years. Brian Tucker and Wally (Woody) Wood, thanks to the internet, are two that I regularly communicate with.
I have attended all the class reunions held by the class of '59, and plan to be at the 50th next year - the good Lord willing.
These days I work crossword puzzles on the internet and raise tropical fish. I have over 100 freshwater fish tanks in my basement at this time, so it is a hobby that has really gotten out of control. I have raised fish for nearly 60 years now, so it isn't a recent thing. No dogs, no cats, no wife.
Unlike most of you, I am smaller (by 30 pounds) than I was when I graduated from high school. Some of my hair even lasted long enough to turn gray.
Now, I did it, so who's next? Do it this way - no guidelines, no prescripted ideas. Just do it in your own words.
Addendum Dec. 14th 2018.
Still here in Bismarck.. After some illness in 2017 that required a 2 month stay in a nursing home for rehab I returned to my condo in October 2017 and have remained there since. I live alone with no assistance except from my youngest daughter and grandson who live in Bismarck who help with things that are hard to do myself these days.
I still keep tropical fish for a hobby, but very much scaled down from the 100 tanks I used to have before falling ill. Now 10. Enough to keep me busy and interested and giving me something to do other than online crossword puzzles and TV.
I'm a big Minnesota Twins fan rarely missing a game and now follow the Timberwolves regularly as well. I watch the Vikings now and then. Even though I graduated from UND I'm a big Bison fan and follow them on TV. Everyone loves a winner!
Though I still drive I don't do so very often. When outside of my condo I walk with a cane, but could get by without it if necessary and never use it in my condo. The walker I used in the nursing home is still parked where I put it the day I came home 14 months ago. collecting dust.
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