Kenneth Wolfe Thompson, age 59, passed away on April 21, 2017, in Washington, D.C. Ken was the son of Myron and Thelma Thompson, and was born in 1958, in Heidelberg, Germany, where his father was stationed. He grew up in Whitefish, Montana, and was inspired by all the beauty Big Sky Country provides. In 1976, Ken joined the Navy to see for himself the beauty other parts of the world could offer. He served in the U.S. Navy as an Ordnance Crew Member (a Red Shirt) aboard the USS Midway (CV-41), the USS Constellation (CV-64) and the USS America (CV-66).

Ken eventually extended his roots to the east coast and settled in Southern Maryland. There, in pursuit of his dream to become an artist, Ken attended St. Mary’s College, receiving a B.S. in Fine Arts. He was a talented artist who created very unique abstract and automotive art. He was a classic car and motorcycle buff, who naturally viewed them as works of art.

For many years, he worked at NAS Patuxent River as an aircraft electrician, but he found his true passion as a substance abuse counselor. For nearly 20 years, he put his genuine desire to help others into practice.

In 1993, Ken married his wife, Nancy Slater, and brought two young sons, Drew and Logan to the marriage. He lived on their farm, Heart’s Ease, in Huntingtown, Maryland for 25 years. Ken loved his family and friends, and anyone who knew him would know that he adored his dogs. He kept people around him smiling with his incredible sense of humor. He always put those around him first, especially his wife and children. He lives on not only through Nancy and Logan but through every person with whom he shared a story or a joke. To say he will be missed is not adequate. He will be cherished and forever remembered and honored.

Ken was preceded in death by his father, Myron M. Thompson; mother, Thelma Thompson; brother, Andrew Thompson; and son, Drew Thompson. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Thompson of Huntingtown, MD, and son, Logan (Avery) Thompson, of Denver, Colorado. He is also survived by his sister, Anne Thompson of Spokane, WA; sister, Charlotte Jydstrup of Casper, WY, brother, Bob Thompson of Olympia, WA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
More important than the facts of a man’s life is his character, and Ken was one-of-a kind. In lieu of donations, the family asks that you remember him for the way he lived. Love is the greatest gift of all; be generous with your love. Kindness costs nothing; be kind to others. Laugh, a lot, even when times are hard. Recognize the beauty in simple everyday life. Have faith in God and never stop hoping.

Memorial services to celebrate Ken’s life will be held in the Fall at Heart’s Ease Farm in Huntingtown, Maryland; Whitefish, Montana; and Seattle, Washington, where he will be buried.