Janet Lee Thompson

JANET LEE (JOHN) THOMPSON March 16, 1943 ~ October 4, 2016 " Jan had a strong sense of fairness, compassion, and loyalty." Janet was born on March 16, 1943, the first of four children to Clinton and Gloria John. She grew up and attended school in Vancouver, WA, becoming a top notch waitress at Elmer's Pancake House, and spending most of her time with her close knit family. Jan attended Washington State University and was a sorority member of Chi Omega, earning a degree in Biology. She earned a Masters at Portland State University to embark on a teaching career. After a brief stay in California, she returned back to Vancouver and would call that home for the rest of her life. Janet met and married Richard Thompson and had twin boys, Jeff and Casey, all three of whom would become the focal point of her life and love-as she placed an extremely high value on family, including all extended family members. Jan loved to socialize, get involved, and lend a helping hand, usually with a keen sense of humor, strong opinion, and creative flair. She had an uncanny knack to talk to anyone about anything and made friends easily. Amongst a few of her endeavors over the years; Jan was a school teacher, ice cream shop purveyor, volleyball referee, and roller skating rink owner during the 70's disco era. She worked several years at her family owned Company, C.E. John Company, Inc., and was known for her creative negotiating ability. Jan also sat on several non-profit Boards and committees dealing primarily with education and children's well being, and was a driving force for the Hazel Dell Boys and Girls Club and the Vancouver School District. She was very involved at her church, Messiah Lutheran of Hazel Dell, touching many people. Jan had many hobbies, and her two favorites were golf and travel; she was able to travel all over the world usually accompanied with family, and played golf throughout the Pacific Northwest, mainly at her longtime home course- Royal Oaks Country Club. Jan and Rich loved to spend time on the Big Island of Hawaii and at their home in Bend, OR, usually on the golf course. Later in life, Janet was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, while initially disappointed, she was able to stay active and outgoing while fighting a long courageous battle. Her love for life never left her even as the disease progressed in her final few years, while the disease changed her physically and mentally, her strong spirit never wavered until her last breath. She was well loved and will be greatly missed by family and friends. Jan is survived by her husband of over 50 years, Richard; and her sons, Jeffrey and Casey Thompson. Her family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, and caregivers involved in her long term care, including her final stay at Community Home Health Hospice of Vancouver. A private memorial service is planned to honor her life. In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a gift in honor of Janet's life, please consider donating to: Community Home Health and Hospice, 3102 NE 134th St., Vancouver, WA 98686 www.chhh.org or Messiah Lutheran Church, 905 NW 94th St., Vancouver, WA 98665. Please sign her guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Janet Lee Thompson

March 16, 1943 - October 4, 2016