It is with deep sadness and great regret that we must report the passing of Gene Thompson. Gene passed away on February 28, 2010 after battling cancer. Gene was a giant in the pipe and tobacco industry. He was involved with the industry for over 40 years.
We are a little behind in reporting this news because we just found out and we were shocked to hear of his passing. We heard of his passing from the latest edition of the NASPC newsletter, The Pipe Collector; in which Bob Swanson wrote a brief article about Gene and his passing.
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His Obituary Read:
Gene Lynn Thompson, age 63 of Snellville, Georgia died Sunday, February 28, 2010 surrounded by his loving family after battling cancer. He was a strong, loving and dedicated family man who is survived by his wife, Margaret (McCollor) Thompson; son, Richard Thompson; daughter and son-in-law, Tina and Andres Wilken; and grandchildren, Zachary Wilken and Mia Wilken.
Gene was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on April 21, 1946. In his youth, Gene and his mother moved to Park Rapids, Minnesota where he excelled in all athletic endeavors. He attended the University of Minnesota and was an Air Force Veteran. He was a dedicated and successful salesman his entire career, most recently working as a National Brand Manager for Phillips & King.
Gene was an avid athlete and was up for any physical challenge or world-wide adventure. He loved traveling and playing golf all over the world and running marathons. He walked in the 3-Day 60 mile walk for Breast Cancer and walked 200 miles across England in the Coast-to-Coast Walk even after being diagnosed with cancer.
Memorial Services will be held at Tom M. Wages Snellville Chapel officiated by Gene’s nephews Rev. Craig Haberman and music by Mark Haberman. Visitation will take place on Friday, March 12, 2010 from 6 – 8pm and Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 9am with the Service starting at 10am at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent or viewed at http://geneakapops.blogspot.com/ and http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/genethompson. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, Snellville Chapel, 770-979-3200.
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Our condolences go out to his family. Gene will be missed and may he rest in peace.