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Thompson -- Charles Benjamin Thompson, Jr. a resident of Fountain Hills, AZ since 1976, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday evening August 6, 2003. He was 85 years old. He was a loving husband, father, and an accomplished engineer. He was born in the small farm town of Auburn, NE on October 22, 1917. He sought adventure living and traveling all over the world while employed by the Agency for International Development (AID), U. S. Department of State. He retired after 25 years with AID and took a position with Harza Engineering in Chicago before moving to Fountain Hills, AZ where he lived for 27 years with his wife Opal. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Opal; three children, Hugh Thompson of Sacramento, CA, Carolyn Thompson-Rizer of Katy, TX, and Marilyn Shultz of Carlton, OR; three step-children, Jim Chidister of Camp Hill, PA, Mary Lawrence of Virginia Beach, VA, Eileen Covert of Richmond, VA, and Bill Chidister (deceased); 17 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Kathryn. His main service work was with the Fountain Hills Lions Club where he served as secretary for over 20 years and was awarded 100% secretary for 14 of those years and received 100% Secretary '92s Award from the Multiple District. He also received the Lion Century Club member, Lifetime Lion Camp Tatiyee, and the Melvin Jones Fellow (which is the Lions '92 highest Award). He was a member of and laid the groundwork for the First United Methodist Church in Fountain Hills by appealing the need to the bishop. He was a second generation berthed American who traced his ancestors back through 400 years of blacksmiths and farmers in Messingham and West Rasen England. He graduated from Auburn High School and often attended its reunions. He was the first college graduate in his family, earning his BS in Civil Engineering from the University of New Mexico (Sigma Tau & Chi Epsilon honor fraternities) and his MS in Civil Engineering (hydraulics) from the University of Iowa. He was a Registered Professional Engineer in 15 states, and a Fellow in the American Society of Civil Engineers. He became a life member of the American Water Works Association, a lifetime member of the University of New Mexico Heritage Club, and a member of the American Legion for over 60 years. His engineering career was modified by WW II when he started in the US Navy (PT Boats), but was transferred, as a civilian, to lead munitions inspectors in several arsenals ending with an assignment in the Pentagon. After the war he completed his advanced studies and served as a Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of New Mexico. The New Mexico State Engineer Office made him the Chief of the Technical Division to address water resource problems. He also served as President of the NM Society of Professional Engineers. His engineering talents were sought by private consulting firms for work in Thailand and the US Government for work all over the world including Tunisia, the middle east, Ghana, and Southeast Asia. Between international assignments, he served on the US Study Commission assessing Texas water resources. He also served on the US Commission on Large Dams and the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage. His continuing quest for knowledge (including recent engineering correspondence courses) led him all over the world (77 countries) and into many activities such as stained glass making (Charlie's Stained Glass Shop), solar energy, gardening, home improvement, theater, music, and travel. He and Opal completed a cross-country driving trip this past June, including a Mississippi River steam boat cruise where they renewed their wedding vows. Charlie looked forward to new adventures and always wanted to see what was over the next hill. Service to be held Monday, August 11, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. at Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary 12065 N. Saguaro Blvd. Fountain Hills. Donations may be made to the Fountain Hills Lions Club, P.O. Box 17808 Fountain Hills, AZ 85269-7808.
        Published on: Sun August 10, 2003