Michael Thompson

Jan 3, 1953 -

Jun 25, 2026

Michael Vernard "Mike" Thompson, 73, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away peacefully at home on June 25, 2026.

Born on Jan. 3, 1953, in Tillamook County, Ore., Mike arrived in Alaska as a young child in 1956 and made the state his lifelong home. His family has deep roots in Alaska dating back to 1898. He spent his childhood and youth in Sitka and Seward, graduating from Seward High School with the class of 1971. After a brief period in Washington, he returned to Alaska and settled permanently in Anchorage.

Mike's early working years took him across Alaska and the Pacific Northwest in logging, construction and commercial fishing. He worked in every major fishery in the state and spent several seasons on the Bering Sea king crabbing. In 1990, he began a significant chapter of his life at the Salvation Army Clitheroe Center in Anchorage, where for more than a decade he offered steady support to those in treatment.

He later drove a taxi in Anchorage for 20 years. For Mike, driving became a quiet way of connecting with others. Passengers arriving from the villages would settle into his cab, and he would listen with patience and kindness to the stories they shared—a gentle, steady presence in the city.

Those who knew him best remember a man of uncommon intelligence, quiet kindness and deep sensitivity. Though he never married or had children of his own, he was a devoted uncle to his 10 nieces and nephews and was lovingly known as "Uncle Mike." He remembered every birthday and Christmas, sent his sisters thoughtful notes and quotes about fairies, wood nymphs and the strength of women, and always showed up in the ways that mattered most. He gave the best hugs. When the mood struck him he could talk for hours, and he loved to dance—often lost in the music with a private smile and a sparkle in his eyes.

Mike lived life on his own terms: gentle yet determined, compassionate yet independent. His absence leaves a space that cannot be filled.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ann Marie Thompson.

He is survived by his father, Vernard Carter Thompson of Napavine, Wash.; sisters, Cindi Thompson of Napavine, Jane Barragar of Walla Walla, Wash., and Linda Vollertson of Walla Walla; and 10 nieces and nephews.

At the family's request, no formal services are planned. Mike is at peace, reunited with his mother and grandmother.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army Clitheroe Center. Cards and personal notes may be sent to Bill Thompson, P.O. Box 527, Napavine, WA 98565.