ROCKLAND — Edward (Eddie) William Thompson, 81 of Rockland, passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2024 surrounded by his family. Born in Brewer, November 18, 1942 he was the son of Hazel and William Thompson.

Eddie joined the US Navy in the winter of 1959. After four years of service, he was honorably discharged. After his service he went back to his hometown of Brewer to work alongside his brother and his tree service business.

On April 16, 1966 Eddie married the love of his life Carolyn. Together they raised three children Glen, Marie, and Marsha.

After many years as a New Bedford scalloper, where he was known for “being the fastest left-handed shucker,” he retired. Eddie spent a lot of time at the family camp up north with family and friends. During hunting season, he was the cook, when everyone else was out hunting.

He was also a member of many clubs such as the VFW and the Elks Club. Eddie was also a Shriner and a member of the Cora Temple. As a family they spent many summers at Beaver Lodge participating in the Shriners Picnics.

Later in life Eddie and Carolyn raised their grandson Jeremy, who was more like a son than a grandson. Jeremy will always have a special place in Eddie’s heart.

In 1998 Eddie saved his granddaughter Savanah’s life by preforming CPR when she was choking. Even with his illness he never forgot how he saved her life and often jokingly reminded her of it saying “Ya know I’m the reason you’re still here kid.” 

Eddie had a love for all animals and spent his later years with his cats, Sampson and Randall, and his granddaughter’s dog, Scout, by his side.

Eddie is predeceased by his parents; his wife, Carolyn Thompson; his companion of 12 years after his wife passed, Connie Sprowl; daughter Marie Rahkonen; sisters, Marilynn and Anne Marie Thompson; brothers, Durwood, Richard, and Alan Thompson; grandson, Robert Stanley; and a lifelong friend Alan Turner and many others.

Eddie is survived by his older brother, Barney (Charlotte) Thompson; son Glen (Tina) Stanley; daughter Marsha (Robbie) Turner; Marsha’s companion Dale Doak; step-son Mike Sprowl; grandchildren, Jeremy and Chelsea Thompson, Sabrina (Matthew) Rines, Savanah (Zachary) Robbins, Nancilynn (Chris) Stanley-Harriman; as well as 20 great-grandchildren and he loved them all.

At Eddie’s request there will be no funeral. A graveside with military honors will be held in June. He will be laid to rest along with his daughter Marie, who passed away on March 5, 2010.

For donations please donate to The Shriners Hospitals for Children; https://donate.lovetotherescue.org

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.

To share a memory or condolence with the Thompson family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.