OBITUARIES: Kenn M. Thompson, 86
Kenneth Morse Thompson, 86, of Groton, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 21, 2014, surrounded by his loving family at Apple Valley Center in Ayer. He was the youngest of five children born to Luther and Gertrude (MacLean) Thompson.
Kenn is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Janet (Holmes) Thompson, and their children, Lorraine (Thompson) Ilsley (Lloyd), Christine Thompson (Nathan Ranney), and Jeffrey W. Thompson (Marly), all of Groton; and David H. Thompson (Angela) of Londonderry, NH; and by his brother in-law Joseph Sullivan of Attleboro. Kenn and Janet were blessed with 11 grandchildren: Mark Weise, Brianne (Weise) Weider (Evan), and Nicholas Weise; Sarah and Rebecca Ranney; Christopher and Jennifer Thompson; and Jeremy, Danielle, Natalie, and Isabella Thompson. Kenn is also survived by his "adopted" children and grandchildren, Steve and Ulla Weise and their children Daniel and Karina. He also leaves behind special nieces and nephews: Gary Boles (Charla), Terry Sullivan (Nancy), Karen Tamagini (Jay), Jay Boles, and Ken Boles. He was expecting his first great-grandchild in May 2014.
Kenn served in the US Air Force for three years and graduated from New England College with a degree in English. He spent much of his professional career with the YMCA, retiring as the Executive Director of the Huntington Avenue YMCA in Boston, and went on to own the Groton "Bike Shop." Kenn was an active member of the Christian Union Church in West Groton and sang in various church choirs over 41 years. He was active in several community groups, including the Freemasons, the American Legion Post #55, Hospice Volunteers, and the Council on Aging, where he served as chairman. A faithful member of the Groton Rotary Club for 35 years, he served as its President and was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours at the Badger Funeral Home, 45 School Street, Groton, Thursday, February 27, 2014, from 3 to 7 PM, followed by a brief ceremony of faith.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Christian Union Church, 37 W. Main St, Groton, MA 01450, or to the Nashoba Nursing Service and Hospice, Two Shaker Rd, Shirley, MA 01464.
The family is planning a celebration of Kenn's life to be held in the spring and would appreciate your presence.
