Dick Thompson, 79, beloved husband and father, passed away Friday, March 12, 2010 in the Smith Phayer Hospice House, Landrum, after a long illness.
Dick Thompson lived a life of accomplishment, intelligence, and devotion to duty and family. Born and raised in Southern California, Laguna Beach, Dick was the son of Joe Dowella Barclay and John Sidney Talbot who died in WWII. His name was officially changed to Richard Thompson when his stepfather, Michael Thompson, adopted him at the age of 13. Dick attended the University of California at Los Angeles where he played basketball under the legendary coach, John Wooden. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. While in college, Dick also enjoyed playing beach volleyball and surfing. After graduating from UCLA, Dick became a Lieutenant in the U. S. Marine Corps and served in the Korean Conflict.
After his discharge, Dick began what would be an illustrious publishing career. He started with Curtis Publishing on The Saturday Evening Post. In l959, he began working for McGraw-Hill where he worked for several different publications. He rapidly rose through the ranks to become worldwide advertising sales director of Business Week Magazine.
In l984, when Mort Zuckerman purchased U. S. News and World Report, he hired Richard Thompson as publisher.
Dick met his wife, Mary in l974 in Chicago. They married in l976. In 1990 Dick, Mary and their daughter Jennifer moved to Tryon from Connecticut to pursue their love of horses. The family joined Tryon Hounds in 1992. Dick and Mary fox hunted, and they built their home, Hawks Nest, in Hunting Country where they entertained friends and family.
An avid athlete most of his life, Dick also enjoyed tennis, squash, and snow skiing. He semi-retired in l994 and became publisher emeritus of U.S. News and World Report.
Dick will be missed by a legion of friends who, over the years, have enjoyed spending time in his company, discussing sports, politics and western movies.
Dick is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Mary, his daughters, Jennifer Thompson of Greenville, S.C.; Molly Heald and Jane Cahill, both of Winnetka, Il., and son, Peter Thompson of Charleston, S.C., and five grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 18 in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, with Chaplain Bill Cline officiating.
A reception will follow the service at Red Fox Country Club.
Memorials may be made to The American Heart Association, 222 S. Church Street, Suite 303, Charlotte, N.C. 28202 or to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Dr., Columbus, N.C. 28722.
An online guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com
McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon.