William ‘Don’ Thompson

William Donald Thompson Jr., 76, passed away peacefully at home July 10, 2025, with his wife, his grandson and his faithful dog, Maggie, at his side.

Don was born in Colfax, Wash., on Aug. 10, 1948, to William Donald Thompson Sr., and Rowana McPherson Thompson. He moved to Ephrata, Wash., when he was 4 years old and attended Columbia Ridge Elementary School. He graduated from Ephrata High School in the Class of 1966, where he lettered in basketball, played “Harvey” (the tall white rabbit), and played clarinet in the marching band. He also attended two years at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Wash.

Don was quite the history and literature buff, with extensive knowledge of American Indians, American wars and the English language. He was an avid fisherman — mostly fly fishing — and an avid hunter, including small and big game as well as birds. He knew all the best places to hunt mule deer and often said that he had walked every square inch of Grant County.

Don had a great appreciation and love for guns; he knew how they worked, where they came from and how to repair any of them. He often said, as he brushed his hand over the stock and barrel, “If only they could talk to let us know the adventures they’ve had.”

He loved his hound dogs and had several black labs — all named “Mike” because that name, in Don’s words, “was solid and carried good in the wind.”

Don worked at Frank’s Lumber in Moses Lake, did surveying for Sterling Knudsen and the Bureau of Reclamation and was a lineman for Grant County PUD for 30 years, as well as an IBEW local union 77 unit chairman, shop steward and accident investigator.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Diane Thompson; brother Rod; sister Janice; grandchildren Aiden Thompson, Ethan Wert and Jackson Gold; nephews Craig and Richard (Jois) Thompson; great-nephews Kayson and Oliver Thompson; and great-nieces Kylie and Clara Thompson as well as numerous cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William Don Sr., and Rowana McPherson Thompson; sons Billy and Erik; daughter Jesse; and grandson Shandon Gold.

We would like to thank all of Don’s family and friends for their love, help and prayers; also Assured Hospice and Specialty Services for the care given to Don during his illness.

A service date has not been set.