Duane Thompson died Jan. 18 of congestive heart failure, following a 20 year battle with Parkinson’s disease. Born March 10, 1925, to Florence and Henry Thompson, he graduated from Bremerton High, where he excelled in baseball and basketball. Fellow 1943 grad, Marilyne White, later became his loving wife of 63 years.

Thompson proudly served in the Navy (Seabees) during World War II. He was among Olympic Community College’s first graduating class and was later honored as a member of the first group inducted into the OCC Hall of Fame. After completing a degree in economics at the University of Washington, he enjoyed a successful business career, serving as president of both Unigard Insurance Co. and the Seattle Men’s Investment Club.

He also treasured the years he coached teams with the Shoreline Lions Little League and Richmond Highlands Recreation Center, and mentoring many friends of his children. Duane and Marilyne enjoyed entertaining their family and friends at their summer home in Kingston and traveling, particularly chasing their beloved UW Huskies around the country.

His wife, Marilyne, preceded him in death on Aug. 20, 2008. He is survived by his sister Arlene Irion, son Steve (Paula), daughter Susan Thompson-Oishi (Dennis) and grandchildren Tracy and Stephanie Wright (Evan).

A celebration in his honor will be at 1 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Lake Washington Rowing Club, 910 N. Northlake Way, Seattle.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation.