Roland John Thompson

Roland John Thompson, 73, of Idaho Falls, quietly passed away on June 10, 2012, surrounded by loving family in his apartment.

Roland was born on November 12, 1938.  He was raised in the Blackfoot area on his family’s ranch and later in town where the Thompson family ran Archie’s Trailer Park.   He graduated from Blackfoot High School in 1957.  He attended the Art Center School in Los Angeles, Ricks College and Idaho State University.  While in school he also served in the National Guard.

While still serving in the Guard, Roland met his sweetheart, Sylvia Harker at a Stake Dance.  They were married on December 29, 1960 in the Idaho Falls Temple.

Roland began service in the Idaho Falls Fire Department in 1964 then became a driver and later worked in the department as an emergency medical technician and paramedic.   He retired in 1989.  To supplement his income, Roland used his talents as a commercial artist – painting advertisements on buildings, vehicles and store fronts across the valley.

In September of 2000, he and Sylvia began their one-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Canada, Toronto West Mission.  Roland and Sylvia also served in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple and as Church Service Missionaries in the Family History Library.

His loves were his family, training dogs, guns and camping.

He had several serious bouts with colon cancer and finally succumbed to the side effects of his battle with stomach cancer on June 10, 2012.

He was preceded in death by his sweetheart, Sylvia Harker Thompson (December 8, 1940 to December 6, 2011), parents, Lucille Howick Thompson (April 5, 1910 to May 22, 1981) and Harry Dunn Thompson (February 14, 1902 to October 26, 1968) and his grandson, John Thomas Tueller.

He is survived by his children, Renard John Thompson (Jo) of West Jordan, UT; Lisa Laray Clark of Pocatello, ID; Michelle Tueller (Tom) of Shelley, ID; and Mark H Thompson (Rhonda) of Rexburg, ID; sister, Sharlene Bertok of Rentz, GA; along with 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 15, 2012 at the Woodville First Ward (1555 N 700 E).  The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 7:00 till 8:30 p.m. at Nalder Funeral Home (110 W Oak) in Shelley and Friday morning from 9:30 till 10:40 at the church.  Burial will be in the Grove City Cemetery in Blackfoot.