Willard Henry Thompson, lovingly known as “Monty” in his early years, and then “Will” by family, friends, and colleagues, was born on June 14, 1929, in Kalispell, Montana, the youngest son of the late John W. and Clemmie E. Thompson. He departed this life at the age of 95, on June 10, 2025, in Las Vegas, NV, just four days before his 96th birthday and on his late sister Elizabeth’s birthday. Willard was raised in a little yellow house on 3rd Avenue W. in Kalispell, Montana. He attended Elrod Elementary School, Central Junior High School, and Flathead High School. Willard grew up playing baseball, football, and basketball throughout his childhood and high school. He then went on to continue his education at Morgan State College, a historically Black college in Baltimore, Maryland. During his time in Baltimore, Willard met and married the late Gloria (Robinson) Thompson on June 2, 1952. They returned to Kalispell, Montana later that year. He also convinced a friend and future nephew, the late Rudolph “Zip” Rhodes, who married his niece Raella (Kelly) Rhodes, to relocate across the country to Montana for Zip’s senior year at Flathead County High School in 1953 to play basketball. Zip lived with the Thompson family and went on to set the all-time scoring record at the University of Montana. The move by Zip further displayed Willard’s love of sports and his acumen as a young recruiter, too. Willard and Gloria relocated to Seattle, Washington around 1954 as different parts of the Thompson family started their migration west. He went on to join the Boeing Aerospace Company in the chemical research engineering department, where he worked for several years. During his time at Boeing, Willard met one of his closest and longtime friends, Wayman Whiting, while supporting its prestigious engineering group. Willard also enjoyed a long career working in some of the premier athletic clubs in the Northwest. One of his final roles was with the Bellevue Athletic Club, where he established strong friendships with some of the area’s top technology executives. Fondly known as “Uncle” to many, he would share wisdom from his lifelong experiences. The club also united him with his nephew, John Arnold, who was a club member and the son of his late sister Elizabeth (Thompson) Arnold. One of his greatest passions was spending time with family. He loved visiting his late mother Clemmie in Montana and Seattle after she relocated. Willard frequently crisscrossed the nation by car to visit family on the East Coast, Southern California, Spokane, and just about everywhere in between. His ability to drive long distances was part of a Thompson & Gibbs family trait, which was carried out by many of its family members. Watching and talking sports was a treasured pastime for Willard. He was plugged in at all levels. His calls with his late brother-in-law Charles Arnold kept him tuned into Seattle high school, college, and pro sports even after relocating. Willard loved watching horse racing and going to the track. He was able to spend quality time debating and rating the ponies with his nephew "Little" Mike Gibbs, son of his late brother "Big" Mike Gibbs, during his time in Renton and Las Vegas. After his retirement, Willard went on to live with his dear niece Nancy Hillman in Renton, WA, and later in Las Vegas, NV for over 25 years. Nancy provided wonderful care and support for her uncle into his twilight years, just as she had done for multiple family members. Nancy’s family, which includes daughters Andrea and Richelle Goncalves along with her brother Michael Gibbs, ensured that Willard always had loving family around him through the end of his life. Siblings preceding him in death include Charlie Thompson, Harry Thompson, Laura (Thompson) Kelly, Elizabeth (Thompson) Arnold, Leona Thompson, and Catherine (Gibbs) Holman, Howard Gibbs, Michael Gibbs, Alice Gibbs, Charles Gibbs, and Rosalie Gibbs. Also preceding him in death are nephews Herbert (Herbie) Smith, Dolphus Edward (Junior) McCullough, and nieces Vickie (Gibbs) Bell, Melanie Cindy (Stockard) Jordan, and Wilella (Stockard) Hudson, along with his former wife, Gloria (Robinson) Thompson. Left to cherish Willard’s memory are his niece Raella (Kelly) Rhodes of Baltimore, MD, niece Nancy (Gibbs) Hillman and nephew Michael R. Gibbs, both of Las Vegas, NV, nephew William (Shorty) Stockard and wife Jean, Kalispell, MT, niece Helen (Smith) Long, Pomona, CA, Deborah (Arnold) Smith and husband Sidney, Columbia, MD, John K. Arnold and wife Edwina, Tacoma, WA, nephew Roger Gibbs, Albuquerque, NM, niece Cora Gibbs, Spokane, WA, and many other great-nieces and nephews.