Rick Thompson died May 11, 2001 after an 11 month battle with colon cancer. He was married to Cheri Martin and 5 children and 6 grandchildren survive him. After completing his PhD in Cultural Anthropology in 1971 from University of Missouri, he taught and did research at several universities including University of Illinois, University of Alabama, and West Florida University. In 1987, he moved to Kenya where he spent the rest of his life working with pastors first and then street children. His greatest delight was in telling street children that there is a God who cares about them and who has provided a way where their lives will be forever different because of that encounter. www.challengefarm.org
Thank you for the note about Rick Thompson. Such sad news. Rick was the loveliest classmate, kind and funny. I know that he is alive in his family, his wife and children, and their families and the good work he did.
Rick Thompson was my brother-in-law. He led an exemplary life helping others less fortunate then himself. I admire him and my sister Cheri greatly. They raised 3 biological children and then adopted 2 African babies, who are currently in college in the US. Rick and Cheri bought a farm in Kitale, Kenya and named it Challenge Farm. Street children who were told they were worthless and without purpose were taken in by Rick and Cheri and told that Jesus loved them and that they had a purpose and a worth. Rick, Cheri and staff, with the help of mission supporters, fed, clothed and educated these kids. Some of them have gone on to college and trade schools in Africa. Cheri is presently in Africa and has over 200 hundred children in residence.
Rick, like his father who was a teacher at Lindbergh, was a scholar and a deep thinker who strived to make society a better place. Reading his legacy is no surprise and reminds me to strive to be a better person. Rick continues to reach out. I smile as I remember him in the class and on the wrestling mat.
My memories of Richard were all positive ...A genuinely nice guy who never had a bad word to say about anyone ....I got to know him better from the wrestling team my last two years at Lindbergh
Rick Thompson was such a caring person. He & Cheri, his wife, had such a loving relationship for each other and their children--their own & the 2 adopted children from Kenya. As missionaries, they both gave of themselves, completely & showed love & compassion for whomever they could help. This world is a better place because of all that Rick gave of himself & did for others. He is sorely missed by so many. Judy Murnan
Ross Burlemann
Rick Thompson died May 11, 2001 after an 11 month battle with colon cancer. He was married to Cheri Martin and 5 children and 6 grandchildren survive him. After completing his PhD in Cultural Anthropology in 1971 from University of Missouri, he taught and did research at several universities including University of Illinois, University of Alabama, and West Florida University. In 1987, he moved to Kenya where he spent the rest of his life working with pastors first and then street children. His greatest delight was in telling street children that there is a God who cares about them and who has provided a way where their lives will be forever different because of that encounter. www.challengefarm.org
Provided by theThompson family 2015
Kathleen Okamoto (Cooper)
Thank you for the note about Rick Thompson. Such sad news. Rick was the loveliest classmate, kind and funny. I know that he is alive in his family, his wife and children, and their families and the good work he did.
Lesa Martin (Schlei)
Rick Thompson was my brother-in-law. He led an exemplary life helping others less fortunate then himself. I admire him and my sister Cheri greatly. They raised 3 biological children and then adopted 2 African babies, who are currently in college in the US. Rick and Cheri bought a farm in Kitale, Kenya and named it Challenge Farm. Street children who were told they were worthless and without purpose were taken in by Rick and Cheri and told that Jesus loved them and that they had a purpose and a worth. Rick, Cheri and staff, with the help of mission supporters, fed, clothed and educated these kids. Some of them have gone on to college and trade schools in Africa. Cheri is presently in Africa and has over 200 hundred children in residence.
Alexis Fuchs (Atkins)
Rick certainly set the standard high for all of us to strive to reach. Contninued blessings to his family as they carry on his name.
David P. Follmer
Rick, like his father who was a teacher at Lindbergh, was a scholar and a deep thinker who strived to make society a better place. Reading his legacy is no surprise and reminds me to strive to be a better person. Rick continues to reach out. I smile as I remember him in the class and on the wrestling mat.
William Dauer
My memories of Richard were all positive ...A genuinely nice guy who never had a bad word to say about anyone ....I got to know him better from the wrestling team my last two years at Lindbergh
To say he was good would be an understatement
Rest in peace my friend
Bill Dauer
Judy Brischetto (Murnan)
Rick Thompson was such a caring person. He & Cheri, his wife, had such a loving relationship for each other and their children--their own & the 2 adopted children from Kenya. As missionaries, they both gave of themselves, completely & showed love & compassion for whomever they could help. This world is a better place because of all that Rick gave of himself & did for others. He is sorely missed by so many. Judy Murnan