February 10 1944 November 30 2022
Samuel “Sam” L. Thompson, 78, of Green Lake, passed away November 30, 2022. Sam was born to the late Samuel and Thelma (Hartman) Thompson in Detroit, MI on February 10, 1944. Although a few days early, his mom thought he was the cutest little cupid angel ever. Honorably, Sam served our country in the US Navy. One of his most notable experiences was serving in the Honor Guard and participating in the funerals of Kennedy, MacArthur, and Hoover. He received many commendations for his security detail in the guard. It isn’t difficult to picture, as Sam was a true giant in spirit and in stature. Sam was a Detroit Police Officer for 15 years retiring in 1984. He started the canine unit in Detroit and was also an instructor in the Police Academy. Anytime there was lights and sirens, that was like the anthem for Sam. After retiring from the DPD he went to Detroit Edison as the Director of their Nuclear Facility in Monroe. He left there and started his own business in consulting. He married the love of his life Laurel Bruce after a few months’ courtship in May of 1969. They lived downstate visiting the Green Lake area for long weekends, vacations and holidays. And then the day finally came that they were able to pack up and make Green Lake their permanent residence in 2000, a dream for both, especially Sam. Sam enjoyed scuba diving, swimming snorkeling and of course taking cocktail cruises on Green Lake. He was a member of the Interlochen Golf Course and over the years made special friendships with all. Surviving Sam and missing him fiercely is his beloved wife of 53 years Laurel, his faithful canine companion Ryker his sister Donna (Tom) Pascaris and his brother John (Karen) Thompson along with his many brothers and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents. A time of gathering will take place on Thursday December 15, 2022 at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10am-11am and a formal service with proper military honors will begin at 11:00am. Sam was a hunter; fisherman; and strongly patriotic. Both he and Laurel would like for you to consider memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Program in lieu of flowers.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Samuel Sam Thompson February 10 1944 November 30 2022.
Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home
Death notice for the town of: Traverse City, state: Michigan