Paul A. Thompson, 83, passed away on Dec. 5, 2022, due to complications of Alzheimer’s disease. He is survived by son, David (Doreen) Thompson of Oregon City; daughter, Paula of Eugene; sister, Michele (Jerry) Kallberg of Aloha; five grandchildren, Sarah, Shelby, Mitch, Persia and Roya; two great-grandchildren, Reagan and Chloe with another, Sadie, on the way.

He was predeceased by his loving wife and high school sweetheart, Nancy Thompson, in 2008. They had a wonderful, loving marriage of 49 years. He was also predeceased by brothers, Tom and Bill.

He began an amazing career at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center, serving as athletic director from 1970 to 1984. He also held the same position at the Jewish Community Center in Dallas, Texas, 1985-1996.

Paul graduated from Springfield High School in 1957 and was selected to the Oregon Shriners Football Team and outstanding football player 1956. While in high school, a friend bet him a dime that he couldn’t win the state diving championship; he took that bet then trained for two weeks at the University of Oregon swimming pool and won the 1957 state high school diving championship. He also held high school and college javelin records.

He served in the US Marine Corps and graduated from Pacific University. At Pacific University, he played football and received and all conference lineman award. He also battled for the “boxer” at Pacific University and kept it’s whereabouts to himself but loved to tell the stories.

With his love of sports and teaching he was a coach at David Douglas High School and Portland State. He coached a Multnomah Athletic Club/Gymnastics team to second place in Nationals.

Upon retiring, Paul and Nancy returned to their roots and built a beautiful home in the McKenzie River Valley and Paul began his next chapter as a master wood carver. He carved beautiful carousel animals featured at the Albany Carousel – the alpaca and lioness. Each animal took two years to carve.

He was an avid golfer and enjoyed many winter seasons with friends in Yuma, AZ.

He loved his family deeply, was always ready with a funny story and a laugh. He was always supportive, caring and had the biggest heart.

A Celebration of Life will be held at noon, Feb. 4, at Musgrove Family Mortuary. For further information, go to musgroves.com.