Roger Tomas Thompson

Roger Tomas Thompson, 81, passed away at home on Friday, May 31st, after bravely facing pancreatic cancer. 

Roger was born at home on March 6, 1943 in Provo, Utah to Leith Tomas Thompson and Alta Dee Frampton. During WWII, he and his family lived in Utah, Michigan, and Arizona before settling in Carmichael, California next to his grandmother's home. The oldest of seven children, he had a happy childhood exploring the streams and ponds nearby. Roger was named by his father after the radio communication for "received and understood," aka "Roger that." He was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at the age of eight in his grandmother's cement horse-watering trough. Roger attended Carmichael High School and was a member of the Sacramento Corvette Owners Club. He was known by his friends as Smiley and Hot Rodder. Roger graduated from American River College and went on to receive his degree in Business from California State University, Sacramento. During this time, he also served in the Army National Guard in the 1113th Transportation Company. He was honorably discharged in 1971 and maintained a love for his country throughout his life. 

Roger's career started with him as a clerk at Heieck Supply; however, the entrepreneur in him yearned for more autonomy and creativity. His early ventures included aerial photography, a water bed business, and beekeeping. Roger founded R. T. Thompson Enterprise, a picture framing business that he started in his grandmother's garage using wood that was lying around. It went on to become a successful business that included various contracts with the state of California. He even created his own molding line including the RT6, which was a wood frame with a black inlay. In his mid-fifties, the entrepreneurial bug bit again, and he started a fine art printing business, Lux Editions. Over five decades later, his frames and prints can be found in homes, businesses, and galleries throughout the world, and he was recognized by many as a master of his trade. 

Known for his adventurous spirit, Roger traveled the U.S. the summer of '72 in his yellow van. Upon returning, he served an LDS stake mission in Sacramento. Roger met his wife, Tami, at church when she moved to the area. After a period of critiquing one another's dating choices, they came to the realization that perhaps they should go on a date. They were married in the Provo, Utah temple the following year for time and all eternity. They built a full life together and later relocated to the beautiful foothills in Pleasant Valley. There they raised their two girls. Over the years, Roger loved three-wheeling in the sand dunes with his brothers and biking, boating, and camping with his family. Later on, he enjoyed going to the coast with his wife. 

Roger served in many positions in his church, including bishop, ward missionary leader, young men's president, and primary teacher. A highlight was working with the young men and going on a 50-mile hike. He was known for his positive outlook and a spring in his step. He was a kind and gentle soul, who quietly served those in need. 

Roger is survived by his wife and sweetheart, Tamara Griffiths Thompson; his favorite oldest daughter, Alisha (Jeff Young), and his favorite youngest daughter, Ciara (Christian Thorpe); his grandchildren, Ryan, Kevin, Brenna, and Logan; and his siblings, Roy (Sylvia), Shirley, Kent, Keith (Liz), Eric (Linda), and Jane (Tim Burkitt). He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Leith (Tom) and Alta, and his sister-in-law, Linda. 

A funeral service was held for friends and family on Saturday, June 8th, at 11:00 AM at the LDS Camino Church, 4621 Pony Express Trail, Camino, CA. A visitation will be held at 10:00 AM before the service. 

Interment will be at Clarkston Cemetery, Clarkston, Utah with Military Honors on June 13th at 1:00 pm.  Arrangements by Allen-Hall Mortuary.  www.allenmortuaries.com