Marvin Thompson

Thompson, Marvin Leroy Marvin peacefully left us to join his beloved wife Thelma on May 10th, 2013. He was surrounded with the love, laughter and care of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and the wonderful care-givers at the Denver Hospice. Born December 25th, 1933 in Vona, Colorado, to Daniel and Fannie Thompson. Marvin treasured his small town upbringing, carrying happy memories and stories of days spent with his large family, numerous friends, and the occasional stray dog. A graduate of Vona High, he was a standout on the baseball field, basketball court, and football field. He caught the eye of fellow classmate Thelma Mae Monroe, and the two began their everlasting love. After the birth of their first child Sharon in September of 1952, the young family ventured off the eastern plains. Marvin began work as a traveling salesman with Holmes Hardware and for the next few years, travel they did! 1955, son Rodney was born in Pueblo, Colorado. In 1959 daughter Susan arrived in Del Norte, Colorado. 1963 brought daughter Tracey in Denver, Colorado (where the family settled) and in 1971 they all welcomed son Jacob. It was in Denver, on a sales call to Handy Hardware, that Marvin met his future business partner and mentor Clay Brown. The two hit it off immediately, and soon after Marvin hung up his traveling shoes. Clay brought Marvin along when he opened his second store, Belcaro Ace Hardware and many years of hard work, laughter, memories and stories were to follow. Clay was as generous with his friendship as he was with his business know-how, and he and wife Ada became welcome extended family. Marvin made the most of the opportunities he was given and became sole proprietor of the store upon Clays' retirement. He worked hard putting everything he had into the business, creating not only a successful hardware store, but also a wonderful workplace for the many family and friends who were lucky enough to work alongside him. After a brief and unsuccessful early retirement came the opening of a new store, Centennial Ace Hardware in Littleton, Colorado. The whole family pitched to help and once again he was rewarded for his hard work. His next venture combined the two most important parts of his life, family and business. He saw a good deal and jumped at the opportunity to purchase Perl Mack Ace Hardware in North Denver, enlisting son Rodney as his partner. A new bond formed between the two as they navigated through the ups and downs of a family business. Marvin was able to pass down all that he had learned and experienced just as Clay had done for him. The result was remarkably similar and their hard work paid off. When Marvin successfully retired, Rodney became sole proprietor of the store and is still in business today. Marvin was proud to see Rodney's sons Nathan and Ryan partner with him in the store, where the three of them carry on his tradition of hard work, friendly service and a good laugh every now and then. After retirement Marvin and Thelma were able to enjoy more time together. Fishing, traveling, gambling, visiting children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were just a few of their favorite activities. And although they shared almost 52 years of marriage, it seemed too brief when Thelma passed away on January 17th, 2004. His family gathered around him, trying to help fill the empty space where his sweetheart had been. His son Jake soon moved in and they spent the following years together, living the bachelor life. Diagnosed in 2010 with COPD, Marvin continued living an independent life until the fall of 2012 He had no patience for the disease or doctors, and referred to his daughters Sharon, Susie and Tracey as ""the best doctors I've got"". As the disease progressed Jake became a special comfort, helping him manage the often frustrating realities of what his body could and could no longer do. Through all the ups and downs Marvin continued to amaze his family with his strength, courage and enduring sense of humor. A very sudden decline in his condition led to a brief stay at the Denver Hospice and a peaceful passing. Marvin was preceded in death by his mother and father, Daniel and Fannie, wife Thelma Mae, sisters Louella, Hazel, Juanita, Ellen, Mert, and brother Daniel (Pete). He is survived by all his children, Sharon Bernard, Rodney Thompson, Susan Downey, Tracey Metzler and Jacob Thompson. Grandchildren Kathryn Vlchek, Nathan Thompson, Ryan Thompson, Stephanie Gilchrist, Melissa Downey, Sadie Metzler, Patrick Downey III, Charles Metzler and Alec Downey. Great grandchildren, Ethan Vlchek, Kayla Thompson, Claira Gilchrist, Marlowe Vlchek, Julia Thelma Gilchrist, Lane Thompson, Maxwell Gilchrist, Evelyn Thompson, Jaxen Thompson, and one more on the way! No services scheduled In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to The Denver Hospice 501 S Cherry St Suite 700 Denver, 80246 http://www.thedenverhospice.org Please share your memories of Marvin and condolences with his family by signing the guestbook below.