Daniel Wayne Thompson

Daniel Wayne Thompson was born April 22, 1955 in Eugene Oregon. He passed from this mortal life on February 13, 2021 in Springfield Oregon. He is survived by his parents, Mel and Roberta Thompson, his brothers Rick and Mike, his sister, Sue, his children, Nathan, Amber, Tiffany and Danielle, six grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and his sweetheart, Debi. Dan spent his early years in Springfield where the family lived on Hayden Bridge Road. He attended Elizabeth Page Elementary where he was well liked by his teachers and classmates. He enjoyed playing outdoors and at seven years old set the family's field on fire. The fire department came and Dan did all he could to help the firefighters extinguish the fire by hitting the flames with his jacket. In 1964, the family moved to Santa Clara. Dan attended Spring Creek Elementary, walking to and from school each day with his younger siblings. During his junior high years at Madison Junior High, he enjoyed church basketball and school wrestling, earning second place in the district. Dan graduated from North Eugene High School in 1973. He did well in school and was well liked. A former classmate recently told the family, “All the girls wanted to date him, and all the guys wanted to be him!” Dan loved the outdoors, including fishing, hiking, camping, biking, spending time at the coast, and walking on the beach. This love of outdoors most likely came from all of the fun family camping trips he enjoyed in his younger years. He also loved the annual family vacation spent in San Diego. Dan was also an avid boy scout and spent time during the summer serving as a youth counselor at Camp Baker. As an adult Dan displayed many talents. He was an exceptional artist. It was quite common for his mother and others to receive hand drawn cards on special occasions. His dad even received a hand drawn card of Betty Boop one year for Father’s Day. He was a talented writer and would often send thoughtful letters to family and friends. These personal letters were usually signed, “Sleep with the angels watching over you.” Dan was a hard worker and was proficient in construction, auto body work, and mechanics. Dan had a good heart and was always willing to pitch in and help where needed. He loved his parents and was always so proud of them. He always knew he was blessed to be raised in a loving home. We love Dan and will miss him dearly, but will look forward to the happy day when we can be reunited and enjoy the eternities together.