Frederick Leonard Thompson

Frederick Leonard Thompson, lived a pretty full life, until health issues started getting in the way. At age 60, only 4 days away from his 61st birthday, Fred passed away suddenly in Bremerton on Sept. 05, 2016. He was born to Joe (Joseph) and Frankie (Francis Stilwell) Thompson on Sept. 09, 1955 here in Bremerton, Washington.

Fred lived in Bremerton all his life, and graduated from West High School in 1973. He attended both Brigham Young University and Olympic College, achieving an Associate Technical Arts degree in the Sheetmetal Mechanic Trade Apprenticeship for Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in the 70’s. Then after 20 years with PSNS Fred took an early retirement, and went on the Pro Bowlers Tour (PBA) for a year. He then went to work for Pac Ship and later Todd Shipbuilders, for another 14 years, retiring again in 2007, and took short term work as a flagger and working the Census for a few years more.

Fred kept active through his younger days in many different sports. He played football for many years including a time in the Semi-Pro League here in Kitsap County. He also coached the little league team his son David was on at a young age, and David's soccer team. Fred also played some soccer himself and was on many softball or baseball teams plus he loved playing tennis, volleyball, darts and pool.

Fred is probably remembered by many in Kitsap County for his bowling. He was an avid bowler, since a very young age. He began his bowling alley life at age 4, when his mom Frankie took him to the Nursery while she bowled leagues. He later graduated out of the nursery and figured out how to throw the ball without bumpers. To prove to his older sisters he knew what he was doing, he bowled his first 300 AGAINST his sister Carol’s team in the Scratch Travel League in 1992, and beat the team she was on. Carol’s no amateur, she’s in the Kitsap Hall of Fame for her bowling, so you know Fred & his competitive fun nature, he had to work hard to be as good at it as possible. Over the years, he bowled at least 3 more 300 games – including one during “Moon Light Bowling” – that means, “in the dark”! I think to those who knew him, it was typical of him, as he maintained a steady high scratch average for many years. Not surprising since he was continuously “practicing” bowling with 2 to 3 leagues each week, and Tournaments throughout the Puget Sound area each month they were scheduled.

He didn’t spend all his free time indoors throwing heavy balls around though. Fred was an outdoors enthusiast most of his life as well, and often went camping with family and friends, fishing, and hunting. Later his outdoor adventures led him to try river rafting, where he and many friends would ride the rapids, then camp all weekend nearby, playing volleyball into the night.

Fred also loved to play basketball, which many who went to church with him will recall his energy and “competitive fun nature”. Some may still have sore spots from elbows being thrown, accidentally of course. Fred was also an avid FAN of sports with the Seahawks at the top of his list, the Mariners, Seattle Sounders and more close behind. As he could no longer participate, he took to watching all the sports he could. He loved tennis, soccer, football, most of the Olympic sports. If you ever watched a Seahawks game with him, you didn’t want to sit next to him, as he jumped and yelled on his team and ear pain could result. Unfortunately for Fred, many health issues became road blocks to his fully engaging in sports.

But, Fred wasn’t only about sports. There was a deeper side to him. He was a man of faith. In 1991 he met his current wife, Nancy, through her brother Tim (yes another bowler). Fred and Nancy married in 1993, and eventually Fred told Nancy about this Church and told her that it was the only one he would attend. Since she was interested, he invited the Missionaries to visit, and the rest is history.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Frankie Thompson as well as several other beloved family members and friends. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Nancy; his son David Thompson; step sons Robert and Eric Luneau; sisters Sharon Barley; Carol Dodd (Ken); and Betty Jo Merryfield (Ron); plus numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, other extended family and several close family friends.

A Memorial Service, followed by a reception, will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2225 Perry Avenue, Bremerton; at 1:30 p. m. Tuesday Sept. 13, 2016. Interment arrangements to be scheduled later through the Rill Chapel/Sunset Lane Memorial Park, Port Orchard. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.