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Peter R. Thompson ’65

Peter Royal Thompson, known as Pete, died suddenly on January 28, 2018 at his home in Venice, Florida. Pete was born on November 11, 1942 on Long Island, New York to Wilma and William Thompson. Previously, he resided in Middletown and Rocky Hill Connecticut as well as in Georgetown and Brunswick, Maine. He moved to Venice in 2009, a place he called paradise.
 
A graduate of Maine Maritime Academy, he served as an engineer at US Maritime Service. Subsequently, he graduated from Central Connecticut State and served as an industrial arts teacher and wrestling coach at Wethersfield High School. He then worked for Northeast Utilities developing education and training programs for employees.  Throughout this time Pete also served in the US Naval Reserve.
 
In middle age, Pete became a marathon runner, long distance cycler and, of course, a triathlete. Following his retirement he worked for LL Bean and became a Maine Island Guide and sea kayaking coach, leading sea-kayaking tours along the coastline. His Scottish heritage inspired him to learn bagpiping and he subsequently played in a punk rock band. For a short period, Pete undertook weaving, and he continued to build furniture, houses, as well as gardens.
 
Pete had an insatiable curiosity, passion for life and diversity of interests and friends. A confirmed Maine-iac, he surprised everyone when he decided to move to Florida. He gave up bagpiping as he now had neighbors, and considered harmonica. He gave up weaving and started building motorcycles, especially Café Racers, Triumphs and Indian motorcycles. His Café Racers won him awards. Pete developed a close clan of motorcycling friends, took up sculling, and continued with bicycling, although he transitioned from a racing bike to a recumbent. Pete love of gardening continued and be became a Florida naturalist while transforming his back yard into a tropical paradise. He was also a lover of animals, especially cats and had a long succession of Maine Coons.
 
Pete was known and loved by many near and far. He had an infectious laugh, a generous heart and was a gentle man in all ways. Survivors include his daughter Heather Mullins and her husband Fred of Kittery, Maine as well as his two sisters, Jean Pearson of Venice and Barbara Thompson of Troy, NY.