William McKinley Thompson

William McKinley 'Bill' Thompson Prominent Businessman and Philanthropist Bill Thompson, 85, beloved husband, father and grandfather, died August 14 after a courageous 26-year battle with Parkinson's disease. He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Marcia (Netting); daughters Lynda (Chuck) Gumeson, Merrill Linton (Andy Armatas), and Kari Karr; grandchildren Peter (Sandi) Gumeson, Jeff (Elly) Gumeson, Adam, Regan and Allie Linton; sister Nancy Atkinson (Bill) Raybourn of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and numerous grand-pets. Bill exhibited unwavering stamina and dignity through his ongoing struggle with Parkinson's, and his positive outlook will be missed by many friends and colleagues, particularly the loving and caring staff at Englewood Meridian, and his special friend and dedicated caregiver, JaNae Smith. Born in South Bend, Indiana on February 14, 1921, Bill was graduated from University of Michigan Engineering School in 1942. Bill was a proud member of the U.S. Army and a WWII veteran, serving overseas from 1942-45 in the North African Invasion, through Italy, southern France, Austria and Germany until 5 months after VE Day. He served under General Mark Clark with the Motorized Vehicles, Armored Division of 87th Ordnance Company. He retired from the U.S. Army as Company Commander with a rank of Captain. Bill had his first job with ExCello Corporation and managed their New York City office from 1946-1960. He moved his family to Denver from New Jersey in 1960, when Bill and longtime friend Robert E. (Bob) Jones partnered to purchase the Cummins Diesel Engine Distributorship in Colorado and Wyoming. When Bob retired, Bill bought his share of the organization and became President and CEO in 1976. Cummins Power, Inc. grew to encompass five states in the Rocky Mountain region. Until Bill's retirement from Cummins for health reasons in 1984, he was an active and involved member of the Rotary Club of Denver, The University Club, Cherry Hills Country Club, Garden of the Gods Club, Paradise Valley Country Club (Arizona), University of Michigan Alumni Association, Delta Kappa Epsilon, Rampant Lion Foundation, Montview Presbyterian Church, Denver Chamber of Commerce (Board), Mountain States Employers Council (Board), and an ongoing supporter of numerous charities. In 2002, Bill and his wife established The William McKinley and Marcia N. Thompson Foundation, primarily dedicated to the support of research for neurological disorders. In 2004, the Foundation made a gift to the Colorado Neurological Institute (CNI) to establish The Thompson Center, encouraging the ongoing efforts in the area of deep brain stimulation. Bill and Marcia loved to travel as Bill's health would allow. Prior to the progression of his disease, Bill enjoyed many hours at Cherry Hills Country Club, both on the golf course and in the Men's Grill, where his flexible wrist action '"" for which he was well known in gin rummy circles '"" fostered his nickname 'Loose.' It was important to Bill that his family have places to gather together for vacations, and he took particular pleasure in designing and building homes in Denver, Vail, Grand Lake and Scottsdale for that purpose. A celebration of Bill's life will be held on Friday, August 18, 3:00 p.m. at Montview Presbyterian Church (1980 Dahlia Street). A reception will follow at Cherry Hills Country Club, 4125 South University Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests contributions be directed to Colorado Neurological Institute (CNI), The Thompson Center, 701 East Hampden Avenue, Suite 330, Englewood, Colorado 80113. Please share your memory of Bill by clicking on the "Sign Guestbook" button below.