It is with great sadness that we announce District Governor Ken Thompson passed away on Saturday, November 3, 2018. Ken was a great Rotarian who served not only his community but around the globe. Ken was incredibly passionate about ShelterBox, Rotary Youth Exchange, and helping the people in Caborca, Mexico. Ken traveled to Caborca multiple times assisting with polio immunizations and other projects.
Ken's leadership and inspiration will be terribly missed.
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It is with profound sadness that I announce that District Governor Ken Thompson died Saturday evening November 3 after having a massive heart attack. Ken had been participating in the Rotary Leadership Institute training during the day on Saturday, and suffered the fatal heart attack later at home.
The Reverend Don Bryan will be completing Ken's year. PDG Don is the current District Governor Senior Adviser and Vice Governor. The position of Vice Governor was created several years ago to provide continuity in our District leadership when an occurrence like this happens.
Our heartfelt condolences go to Ken's wife, Paula, their daughter who lives in Arizona, and members of Ken's Rotary Club, the Rotary Club of Slidell.
New Orleans Advocate Obituary
Kenneth David Thompson
November 3, 2018
Kenneth 'Kenny' David Thompson, age 72,of Slidell, LA, passed away on Saturday, November 3, 2018.
Beloved Husband of Paula Thomas Thompson. Father of Kathryn Elizabeth Thompson.
Son of Billie Van Eman Thompson and the late Morris Thompson. Brother of Betty Thompson, Susan Thompson Jenkins, Dianne Thompson
Quarles and Deborah Thompson Knight.
Also survived by an uncle, Corky Van Eman, numerous nieces, nephews and special friends, John and Jan Sheilds.
He was a graduate of the University of Texas where he received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Michigan, where he received his Masters of Business Administration.
Kenneth served in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant J.G. during the Vietnam Era. He retired from Exxon Mobil as a Petroleum Engineer after 20 years. After he retired, he became a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones. A native of Texas and a resident of Slidell for over 30 years, he was active in the Rotary Club of Slidell, where he was currently the Governor for District 6840 and an Ambassador for Rotary International, traveling to Russia, Australia, New Zeland. Ken was very active in eradicating Polo from this world, by going on medical missions frequently to Mexico, inoculating children in remote villages. He championed the adoption of "Shelter Boxes" for disaster relief around the world thru Rotary.
He was an active member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, serving in the choir, the Men's Club and also serving for years in the prison ministry.
Additionally, Ken contributed to the cultural life of St. Tammany Parish by singing in the Northlake Performing Arts Society, being active in the Slidell Little Theatre as a board member and an actor.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Memorial Services at Aldersgate United Methodist Church,
360 Robert Blvd, Slidell, LA
on Monday, November 12, 2018 at 12:00 O'clock noon.
Visitation at the church on Monday after 11:00 a.m. until funeral time.
Donations to Shelter Box USA, 7359 Merchant Court, Lakewood Ranch, FL, 34240, www.shelterboxusa.org, preferred, in lieu of flowers.