Gordon L. "Gordie" Thompson Jr.

Gordon Lytle Thompson Jr., 70, of St. Helen, Mich., died March 1, 2012. Known as “Gordie” to many who loved him. A man with a great heart. Born November 23, 1941 in Evanston, Ill. Preceded in death by his parents, Gordon B. and Irene Thompson. Brother to Patricia Russell of Washington, D.C. Step uncle to Alice Spiker (Tim) of Grosse Ile, Mich., Cheryl Klein (Jack) of Mankato, Minn., Terrillyn Walls (Mike) of Grosse Ile, Mich., Kristina Camblin (Brian) of Bullard, Texas, and Wendy Lyons (David) of Midland, Mich., and a wonderful example of love to their children. Stepbrother to the late Dale R. McCauley of Grosse Ile, Mich. Stepson to the late Alice V. Thompson of Detroit, Mich. One of his great life moments occurred when he offered shelter and friendship to a homeless stranger. This stranger, Darrell Kopasz, would soon become Gordie’s dearest and most-devoted friend. Darrell completed this selfless circle of care by donating a kidney to Gordie for a lifesaving transplant operation five years ago—nearly a decade after they first met on the streets of Metro Detroit. Gordie was one of God’s blessings and a true friend to many. Generous and loving. A gentle soul. He will be greatly missed.