Barry Thompson

Barry (Bear) Thompson passed away June 4, 2019 at his home in Kooskia.



He was born Oct. 5, 1960 to Francis Truman and Janice Wileen (Muhs) Thompson in Wallace. Idaho. He graduated high school in Wallace. He then moved to Garden City, Kan. for a brief time before moving to the Kooskia area.



He worked for the YCC program shortly before beginning a long career for the Forest Service. He began working for the Clearwater National Forest in 1981 on the Lochsa Ranger District then went to the Powell District. He moved on to the Nez Perce National Forest and finished his career on the Moose Creek Ranger District. He started as a wilderness trail crew member and moved up the ladder, finally retiring as a district trails specialist in 2012. After retiring he also worked hunting seasons for Ritchie Outfitters as a camp cook/tender and a mule babysitter.



He married Julie Dawkins in 1988 and they had a daughter named Christina. Bear and Julie were later divorced.



Bear had a love for animals. He was an avid gardener with a green thumb and loved canning. He would can hot peppers and asparagus and enjoyed giving them all away. He was also an excellent cook whether in the backcountry or a kitchen. He had a kind heart and would go out of his way to help someone.



He is survived by his daughter Christina Thompson, her partner Gary, and his granddaughter Lily.



Bear was preceded in death by his brother Jeff Thompson and his parents.



He will be cremated and a gathering of family and friends will be held at a later date this summer.



Happy trails Bear and we will see you on the other side of the pass.