WASHINGTON — Gary Linwood Thompson, 60, died unexpectedly from complications of diabetes, at his home, Sunday, October 6, 2019.

Born May 16, 1959, he was the son of Linwood R. and Jeanette H. Thompson of Tenants Harbor. Gary grew up in that community where he attended local schools and Georges Valley High School in Thomaston.

After high school, Gary worked many jobs including lobster fishing, clamming, working at Johnny’s Wharf for his brother-in-law Blaine, Dragon Cement Products, Great Eastern Mussel Farm, Lucas Tree, Northeast Tree Service and most recently for his nephew, Nathaniel, at Benner’s Tree Service.

Gary loved animals, especially his cat, Sam. He loved snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, boating and most of all drag racing. He enjoyed and was good at bowling, and relished in beating his sister Julie, her husband Mike and his own girlfriend Kathy. He bragged about his Rummy skills; however, he couldn’t beat his sister Julie and challenged her to another match later. Unfortunately, they would not get another chance.

He liked to walk and would walk for miles picking up bottles and cans left at the side of the road. He said that he got exercise doing it and that was his play money for bowling or whatever else he wanted to do. A collector of junk, Gary was always wheeling and dealing on something.

He battled diabetes most of his adult life and was hospitalized for it on many occasions.

Predeceased by his father, Linwood, Gary is survived by his mother, Jeanette Thompson of Camden; his son, Jesse Thompson and grandson Noah of Union; his two sisters and their husbands, Terry and Blaine Cook, Julie and Mike Waller all of Union; two nieces and their husbands, Heather and Brian Benson of Lewiston, Barbara and Bob Chapman of Augusta; four nephews and their wives, Nathaniel, and Cori Benner of South Thomaston, Russell and Sarah Cook of Gardiner, Blaine, Jr. and Kasey Cook of Appleton, Zach and Tia Cook of Breezy Point, Minnesota.

He is also survived by four great nieces, Michaela, Abbie, Caitlyn and Delaney; nine great nephews, Damian, Caleb, Cody, Blaine III, Bryce, Blake, Adam, Marty and Malcolm; one great great nephew, Phillip; his girlfriend, Kathy Cody of Vasselboro; one uncle, Gary Hyvarinen and his wife Sandra of Union; two aunts, Jewell Silveria of Camden and Barbara Simpson of Rockland, as well as many cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held Friday, October 18, at 6 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. Pastor William Hickey will officiate.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to assist with Gary’s final expenses may be made to Julie Waller, 697 Overlock Hill Road, Union, ME 04862.

To share a memory or story with Gary’s family, visit their online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.