Blackmer Funeral Home

Everett Thompson passed away at his home, Tuesday, January 12, 2010.

Everett was born December 5, 1929 to Oscar and Myrtle Thompson at the family homestead, on the Free Use area above White Bird, Idaho. When Everett reached school-age, the family, which included a younger sister, Pearl Irene, moved into the town of White Bird.  They resided there until Everett started high school, and then they relocated to Grangeville, where Everett graduated in 1948.

Everett married Mary Cash, July 22, 1950.  The couple started their married life residing on the Cash ranch.  In 1952 Everett entered the army and was stationed in Fort Ord, California.  After his discharge from the service, Everett and Mary returned to Grangeville and bought the home where they would reside for the rest of their 59½ married years.

Everett worked as a mechanic at Normac Motors, Hoene Implement, and then as the service manager at Gortsema Motors.  After 23 years as an employee, Everett made a brave decision to open his own business.  He built a shop across the street from his home, and opened “Thompson’s Auto Repair” in 1974.  For many years, his loyal patrons brought their vehicles to him and said, “Just fix it Everett,” with confidence in his ability to do a great job for a fair price.  His wife Mary was the bookkeeper and together they operated the business until Everett’s retirement in 2000.  After retiring, Everett enjoyed keeping busy, working in his shop or helping maintain the family ranch.

Everett was a man who could repair anything, and make things that work, work better.  He could always be counted on to lend his skills when someone needed a mechanic or a carpenter.  He was an honest, hard-working man, admired for his abilities, resilience, and willingness to lend a helping hand.

Everett is survived by his wife, Mary; their three children and spouses in Lewiston: Tim and Janet Thompson, Dave Thompson, Taunia and Bob Solders; eight grandchildren and spouses: Jason and Beth, Jennifer and Tom Sparks, Jackson, Mandi Hansen, Ryan and Jessica, Joni and Buck Dewey, Cody Solders and Chelsi Solders; and six great-grandchildren:  Ema, Makinly, Carson, Paytan, Abbie and Garret.  Everett also leaves a sister, Pearl Irene Barnett of Lewiston and her family, and his cousin, Joe Thompson, of Grangeville.  As Everett was known to say, Joe was the “closest thing to a brother” he ever had.

At Everett’s request, a private family gathering was held at Blackmer Funeral Home and he was laid to rest January 16, 2010 at Prairie View Cemetery, next to his parents-in-law and friends, Keith and Ellen Cash.