Rodney Thompson, 68, formerly of Libby

Rodney “Rod” Eugene Thompson, 68, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, at his daughter’s home in Bonners Ferry.

He was born in Seton, Ill., Nov. 10, 1945, to John W. Thompson and Fern Thompson. He had two siblings, Jerry Thompson of Santa Rosa, Calif.,  and a sister, Linda Sue Hardman of Brighton, Colo.

Throughout his years, he resided in Woodland, Calif.; Carson City and Dayton, Nev.; Laclede and Bonners Ferry, Idaho; Troy; the Libby Care Center; Yaak and his final last year with his daughter Tala in Bonners Ferry.

Rod worked as a mechanic throughout his life. In his earlier years, Rod raced outlaws and sprint cars throughout Nevada, California and Arizona. He loved to go fishing along the Clark Fork River in Noxon.

In November 2002, Rod met his partner Richelle Rode. In 2003, Rod at the age of 57, got a surprise of a lifetime with only a 11 days notice for the arrival of his baby girl who he named Tala Arella Thompson. (Tala is native American  for wolf, and Arella means angel messenger). Tala was born prematurely and faced many challenges. Rod spent the next seven years sharing his life with his daughter.

Rod took charge as a proud papa and spent his last year by his daughter’s side until his health failed.

He is survived by his daughter, Tala Arella Thompson of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; his mother, Fern Thompson of Canoga Park, Calif.; a sister, Linda Sue Hardman of Brighton, Colo.; and one brother Jerry Thompson of Santa Rosa, Calif.

Many close friends throughout northern Idaho and Northwestern Montana also will mourn him.

Rod precedes in death his dear friend Chief Raymond Abraham of Kootenai Tribe of Idaho.

Thank you to the caregivers at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital, Libby Care Center, Lincoln County Hospice and Dr. LaCoy for the care you have given Rod.

There will be no memorial services.  

Arrangements are by Bonners Ferry Funeral Home. Celebration of Life will be scheduled in the early summer 2014.