Douglas Dow Thompson, 85, passed away on November 13, 2024, at home in Savannah, Georgia surrounded by his family.  Doug was born in Madison, Wisconsin and was the son of John and Isabel Thompson. Doug was a graduate of West High School in Madison and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

            Doug married his high school sweetheart Sara Jane (Green) Thompson in 1963, and they were happily married for over 60 years. Their three children—Doug, Jennifer, and Andy loved their dad and mom so much and have so many wonderful memories of them. 

Doug and Sara were the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren—Caitie and John Thompson; Lily, Ian, and Holly Kachmar; and Sally and Molly Thompson—and also loved spending time with Doug’s wife Allison (Moreland) Thompson, Jennifer’s husband Shawn Kachmar, and Andy’s wife Liz (Zidar) Thompson.

            Doug had a long and rewarding career in Human Resources and Labor Relations and made many friends throughout his career.  Doug loved spending time with people both professionally and personally and was always quick to smile, tell funny stories and share a laugh with people.  Doug really enjoyed his retirement first at Fripp Island, South Carolina, which was a special place for Doug, Sara, and the entire family, and then at the Savannah Square retirement community in Savannah, Georgia, where he made many friends.

Just like Sara, Doug had many interests throughout his life. Doug was a huge fan of Wisconsin Badger football and basketball and enjoyed numerous return visits with Sara to Madison and traveling.  Doug loved music of all kinds, particularly opera and singing in various church choirs throughout his life.  Earlier in his life, he was an avid runner (back when it was called “jogging”) and loved reading science fiction and history books as well as fishing.  Doug and Sara were life-long lovers of birds and animals of all kinds, particularly their beloved cats including his cat Nicki who was an important companion for him after the passing of Sara last year.

            The family wishes to express their love and gratitude to Doug’s many friends, the wonderful caregivers at Vickie’s Helping Hands in Savannah, Compassus Hospice Care, and the staff and residents at Savannah Square.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Birds Georgia (formerly Georgia Audubon) or the Humane Society of Greater Savannah.