K. Craig Thompson (1952-2010)

When Michelle and I ventured into our first ALS support group, just a couple of weeks after her diagnosis, we met Craig and his wife, Rita. Craig had an incredible love of life that radiated, even as his body slowly gave in to ALS. Even after losing his voice, Craig shared in our excitement of pregnancy with big smiles, thumbs up, and tons of belly rubbing during Michelle's 9 months of pregnancy. We felt so thankful that Craig was still fighting when Aislyn was born in December. After meeting our parents, Craig was the next person we wanted to introduce our little girl to. He waited with such anticipation for her to be born and was so excited when she finally arrived. The picture above is one of Craig holding Aislyn when she was just a couple of weeks old.

Craig lost his battle with ALS this month. It was devestating for Michelle and I to say goodbye to a man who has been such an important part of our life. Craig fought this disease with courage and humor and brought love and comfort to all who knew him. He will be so missed.

THOMPSON, K. Craig, 58, of Varina, went to be with our Lord on May 4, 2010, after losing his courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth P. Thompson. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Rita Thompson; two sons, Bryan Thompson and wife, Shana, and Justin; one granddaughter, Jessica Thompson; mother, Fern Thompson; two brothers, Kurt Thompson and wife, Jennifer, Brent Thompson and wife, Brenda; and nieces and nephews, Russell, Karl, Brittany and Brooke Thompson. Craig was a UVA graduate, a Certified Public Accountant, and an active member and current past president of the Accountant Society of Virginia. Craig was a former Henrico County School Board member for the Varina District, a past member of the Glendale Ruritan Club and a previous member of the Board of Directors for the Henrico Police Foundation. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 7, 2010, at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 8, 2010. Interment will follow at Washington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the ALS Foundation at www.als.org.