CHITTENDEN — Wallace Edgar Thompson, a native of Weybridge, Vt., passed away surrounded by loved ones on Aug. 11, 2021, at the age of 72.

From an early age, Wally was taught to love and respect nature and his elders by his father, Kenneth Thompson (a farmer, Sugarmaker), and Ella Thompson, a well-respected schoolteacher.

Wally spent much of his life maintaining his family land in Weybridge and fixing engines throughout Addison County. He was constantly tinkering on something.

An unaccredited naturalist, Wally could tell you anything and everything about the wild things in Addison County, having spent so much of his life developing a deep connection with nature.

Wally was very affable, and known for his humor, love of bowling, horseshoes and motorcycles. He was the life of the party and wherever he roamed a party would follow. He loved to laugh and spend countless hours with his friends and family.

Wally was a man of few words but his actions spoke volumes. He accepted and loved everyone for exactly who they were, and those who accepted him were rewarded with unconditional love and loyalty.

He had a generous heart and was well known for his kindness. There are many stories describing how Wally helped a neighbor out of a ditch or a friend with car trouble.

He was loved by so many but none more than his wife, Michelle Thompson, who was always by his side. Her knowledge and love for him kept him going through many years of health challenges.

Wally loved his family and his children. He is survived by his wife Michelle; daughters Andrea Thompson and Cholena Pegues; and his son Anoki Thompson. His stepchildren Michael Warner and Stephanie Warner, along with his six grandchildren, Mercedes Hunt, Nathaniel Sion Pegues, Felicia Thompson, Ella and Anoki Thompson and Mahalia Hines, also survive him.

Wally was also fortunate to have a relationship with his biological family, who found him after years of searching. He was predeceased by his biological parents, Ida and John Waite, and siblings Frances, Audra, Sandy and a niece and several nephews. He is survived by his biological siblings Barbara, John, Kenneth, Christopher, Patricia, Sidney, Cathy, and Rita.

There will not be formal traditional services for Wally, as he would have hated that. Instead the family will celebrate his life in a manner more suitable to the man Wally was. For details contact [email protected].

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor his kindness by helping someone you know in need.◊