Curtis A. "Bud" Thompson
date of birth June 8 1923
date of death October 15 2011
Longtime Hawaii (and recent Tacoma) resident, Curtis A. “Bud” Thompson passed away peacefully on October 15th, 2011 in Lake Oswego, Oregon at the age of 88 following a short illness.
Born to Helen (Wallene) and Einer C. Thompson in Ashland, Wisconsin, the family later moved to Portland, Oregon where Bud attended Benson Polytechnic High School. Soon after the United States entered WWII, Bud sailed by merchant ship from San Francisco to Hawaii where he became a naval tug boat skipper during the war, transporting supplies between Hawaii and the islands in the South Pacific.
After the war ended, Bud purchased the 40’ cutter “Sindri”, starting one of the first yacht charters in Hawaii, taking tourists on cruises off Oahu’s shores and to the outer islands. A life-long love for boating found Bud sailing in many yacht races including the Transpacific Yacht Race, along with numerous local races around the Hawaiian Islands. Bud served as Commodore of the Hawaii Yacht Club in 1969 as well as General Chairman of the Honolulu Committee of the TRANSPAC RACE.
Bud worked in the insurance business for Von Hamm-Young as manager for the company’s general insurance department, later opening his own insurance brokerage “Thompson Insurance Agency” in 1960.
A member of Barbershop Harmony Society; Bud sang in the Sounds of Aloha Barbershop chorus and in various other quartets throughout the years, enjoying singing and attending barbershop competitions throughout the country.
Bud was truly a Renaissance man and adventurer. He sailed the world, enjoyed golf, photography and was a contributing author to many newspapers and magazines, including Sea Magazine.
Preceded in death by his wife Nancy, Bud is survived by his four loving children, Sindri Thompson (partner Arlene) of Tacoma, WA; Jan Aitchison (Tom) of West Linn, OR; Shelley Young (Robert) of Hillsboro, OR, and son Kurt Thompson of Lakewood, WA. Grandchildren Kristin (Aitchison) Boyle of Seattle, WA; Kelli Aitchison of San Francisco, CA; Stephanie (Ben) Ryznar of Portland, OR; Renae (Tony) Bates of Brisbane, Australia; and Douglas Young of Portland, OR.
A private celebration of Bud’s life will be held in Hawaii in January.
Arrangements by Autumn Funerals, Cremation & Burial, Tigard.
9 tribute candles have been lit
Candle lit by Staff at Autumn Funerals, Cremation & Burial Our sincere condolences.
Candle lit by Cathye Allmer Shelley is a treasured friend of mine, and we have shared many of life's ups and downs over the years. I would like to offer my condolences to the entire "Thompson" family - but also offer a sense of celebration for the dynamic man that your dad was! I was always amazed at the stories Shelley would tell us about some of the adventurous things he continued to do well into his senior years. Good for him! Having lost both of my parents as well, I feel for all of you - especially at this holiday time of year, which is when I miss them the most. My best to all of you - and I love you Shelley! Cathye Allmer
Candle lit by Robert J. Clancey
Candle lit by Walter S. Yamane I will miss Bud. A long time ago, I was a former employee of Von-Hamm Young Insurance Claims Dept.
Candle lit by Al Graps Bud, you were a great inspiration, a good sailor and a good friend. I enjoyed working for you at HYC and Transpac Honolulu Committee, enjoyed racing with you. Now rest in peace in the ocean that you love.
Candle lit by Scott Melander I enjoyed Bud's enthusiasm for sailing and loved talking to him when he walked Kailua Beach in the mornings.
Candle lit by Tom Grubb It's been many years since I had the opportunity to talk with Bud, but he had just ended his tenure as Commodore of Hawaii Yacht Club when I joined. We worked pretty closely together a few years later after I became a yacht broker and Bud helped several of my clients with insurance for their boats. I'm not sure how long Bud photographed boats, but one of my favorite possessions is a photo taken by Bud of my (former) Cal-40, Seafire, as we sailed toward Diamond Head. Today that photo occupies a prominent place in my home office. Bud was a great guy and very important in the life and times of HYC. Fair winds and following seas, Bud. Aloha nui loa, Tom
Candle lit by Michael Roth Aloha Bud, I am thankful for the the time we worked together and got your story published in Transpac Magazine. Thank you fro all you have done.
Candle lit by Leslie Kenny I am so blessed to be related to such a wonderful man. Uncle Bud I am so many wonderful memories of times spent with you and your family. They will alwayss be close to my heart! Love Les