Russell Dean Thompson, Sr., “Big Dean”, age 69, of Wolf Point, MT passed away on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 in Billings, MT of natural causes.
Big Dean was born on June 28, 1943 in Poplar, MT to George and Edith (Bearskin) Thompson. He grew up in Oswego and Wolf Point. He attended school in Wolf Point, graduating in 1961; along with winning the 1961 state basketball championship. After high school, he attended the University of Montana in Missoula, MT. He played for the Montana Grizzlies for 2 years. In 1966, Dean enlisted in the U.S. Army as a medical orthopedic cast specialist. In 1968, he transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve. After 5 years, he was honorably discharged with a National Service Good Conduct Medal. Dean went to work in Wyoming and that’s where he met the love of his life, Patricia Harris. They were married in 1970 and moved back to Wolf Point. In 1973, they had a son, Russell D. Thompson, Jr.
Dean worked for the BIA for 29 years at the Road Department as a laborer/supervisor. He retired in 2008. Dean enjoyed the outdoors, going fishing & hunting, watching sports on T.V., visiting his friends, cruising around with his wife, Patsy and spending time at home with his family.
Dean is preceded in death by his parents, George and Edith Thompson; brothers, Little George Thompson, Jr., Darrell Thompson, Ed Thompson, Jimmy Thompson, and Patrick Thompson; and his adopted son, Dean Taylor.
He is survived by his wife, Patsy Thompson of Wolf Point; son, Russell (Doris) Thompson, Jr. of Wolf Point; adopted son, Darrell Taylor of Wolf Point; grandsons, Drew Thompson of Wolf Point, Matthew WhiteHorse of New Town, ND; brother, Mike Thompson of Wolf Point; aunt, Annebelle White Eagle of Wolf Point; nephews, Mitch (Lauren) Thompson of Billings, Jimmy Thompson of Seattle, WA, and Patrick George of California; nieces, Terry Thompson, Claudia Thompson, Georgiann Old Elk; and adopted granddaughters, Cheryl and Chrissy Taylor.
A rosary will be held 7 p.m. Friday, September 28 at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, September 29 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wolf Point. Interment will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery in Wolf Point.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.