Kenneth J. Thompson

YORK--It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Kenneth J. Thompson who died peacefully Friday, November 10, 2023 at his residence in York.

Born in New York City, March 9, 1929, Ken was the son of Albert and Doris Thompson. Educated in Cincinnati, Ohio, he graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. He published a book of poetry after graduating. Ken then served as a lieutenant in the US Air Force, 1950-1952, during the Korean conflict. In 1954, Ken married his wife Elois (Sam), and they moved to York where Ken was employed by York Borg-Warner for 23 years. He left the company as the Advertising and Sales Promotion Manager. Then, he joined Fox Pool Corporation for 16 years and left as Vice President of Communications.

Passionate about his hobbies, Ken plunged into them with gusto — be it oil or watercolor painting, throwing clay pots and building his own kiln, learning to play the guitar, then building a guitar and a lute himself as apprentice to an expert guitar maker, or carving wooden ducks, song birds, and Santa Clauses. Owning cars, especially his MG and his Jeep, brought him much joy. As an advocate for wildlife and the wetlands, he joined Ducks Unlimited of York and served as loyal volunteer, member, and past-president. His tenure spanned 40 years, and he achieved Sponsor in Perpetuity with Ducks Unlimited, one of only 21 sponsors in the state.

Known for his casual jeans style, layers of shirts, a signature kerchief tied around his neck, and his silver ponytail, Ken loved to debate, to tell stories, and could be self-effacing in the telling. In addition to his artistic endeavors, he prized all things green, his flowers and plants, his cats, his books, and especially author Joseph Campbell. He read The New Yorker nearly every week and was a devotee of NPR. In his later years, he returned to short story writing; in fact, the day before Ken died, he was dictating the ending of his most recent short story to his daughter.

Survived by his son, John Thompson, York, PA and his daughter, Suzanne (Von) Campanella of Pittsburgh, PA. Also survived by two grandchildren, Joseph Campanella, Pittsburgh, PA and Caroline (Bradley) Downey of Pittsburgh and his great granddaughter Cecelia Downey. Ken was predeceased by his immeasurably kind and loving wife Elois in 2004.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the York County SPCA, 3159 N. Susquehanna Trail, York, PA 17406 or online https://ycspca.org.

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