Loren G. Thompson, 65, of Williams St., Groton, died July 26, 2015 at his home after an extended illness . Born October 16, 1949 in Oneonta, NY, he was the son of the late Gordon and Evelyn Michaels Thompson. He was a 1967 graduate of Sidney High School and had served his country with the US Navy during the Viet Nam War and continued to serve his community with being a volunteer fireman for 15 years as well as serving as Fire Chief for the Gilford Fire Dept. Loren had a passion for drumming and had been a drummer for the band South Hill and he also enjoyed drag racing. He was a member of the Carrington Fuller Post American Legion in Groton and he had been employed with Pall Corp. in Cortland. Many will remember Loren for his willingness to help others in so many ways and to make you feel as part of his “family”. He is survived by his devoted fiancé of 18 years, Lori Kelly at home, his stepchildren, Zachary (Jessica Binelli) Miner and Ewen (Jennifer) Kelly all of Norwich, NY as well as step grandchildren, Brianne and Timothy Miner and Amelia . He is also survived by his siblings, David (Carol Anne) Thompson of Hilton Head, SC and Jack (Lori) Thompson of Okatie, SC, and Carol Keeney of Sunrise, FL and many nieces and nephews, as well as his former wife, Joanne Thompson of Sidney. Memorial Contributions in Loren’s memory may be made to the Guilford Fire Department, Guilford, NY 13780 A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.