Richard “Rich” Lee Thompson (64) of Libby MT passed away on March 15, 2021, due to complications following a motor vehicle accident on February 25th.

He was born February 21, 1957, in Kalispell, MT, to Dick and Shirley Thompson. He attended Libby Highschool, graduating in 1975. He was the hardest working man we have ever known. He started working for J. Neil’s Lumber immediately after graduation and worked his way through the ranks retiring as Corporate Engineering Manager of Stimson Lumber in 2005. Never a man to sit idle, prior to his retirement he started Thompson Contracting, Inc. (TCI) and recently acquired Granite Concrete where he worked until his passing. He enjoyed working with the men and women that helped build these companies which will carry on in loving memory of him.

We cannot say that everyone that knew him loved him, but we can say that those that loved him knew him.  Whatever hard outer shell he had was to protect his big heart. He loved a good practical joke, especially if he thought of it; time with his family and close friend Colby Yarger; and any holiday or reason he could buy a gift or eat frosting. His grandkids meant the world to him and being papa ranked high on his list of achievements. His “be careful” was his “I love you” and we got told to “be careful” often.

He married Jo (Hill) Thompson in 1978 and remained friends with her after their divorce. He met the love of his life, Susan Yarger, in 2009 and was able to be with her during his last moments.

He is preceded in death by his father Dick Thompson, brother Patrick Thompson; baby sister Shirley; and his grandparents: Richard & Virginia Thompson; Woody and Mildred (Toots) Bowen; and Mary Collier.

He is survived by his soul mate Susan Yarger, daughter Sara Bree Bedwell, son Levi (Riki) Thompson, parents Mike & Shirley Collier, sister Cindy (Pat) Isbell, brother Tim (Dusti) Thompson, brother Jim (Lisa) Thompson, brother Michael (Tina) Collier, 2 amazing grandchildren: Bowyn Bree and Makoha Lee; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.