DeWayne Thompson, 80, passed away June 26, 2023, at his home after a long illness. He was born September 5, 1942, in Greenville, South Carolina to Ralph K. and Mildred Pauline Ginn Thompson.
He loved sports of all kinds and went to the Little League World Series as a young boy. He attended East High School.
DeWayne married Kathleen Elizondo on December 9, 1960, in Salt Lake City, Utah. They were blessed with three children. They later divorced. DeWayne loved his children and enjoyed coaching them and watching them play sports.
DeWayne was very mechanical and could fix anything. This talent would carry on throughout his life and benefit many people. He worked at Kennecott Copper as a Mechanical Maintenance Technician for 38 years where he made many life-long friends. After retiring, DeWayne worked at Mountain View Golf Course where he spent many enjoyable years working and playing golf.
He was a hard worker and knew how to play hard as well. He enjoyed traveling all over the world with his best friend, Eric Wangsgaard. This grandpa looked forward to spending Halloween and Christmas at his daughter’s home with his grandchildren.
DeWayne is survived by his children: Kevin Thompson, Kelly (Bret) Reimann, and Dean (Paula) Thompson. Eight grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren with one on the way, and his half-sister, Kathy (Tom) Haines Sundae.
He is preceded in death by His parents; his brothers, Marion, Kenny, and Talmadge Thompson.
To the wonderful Team at Quality Hospice, we send our heartfelt love and thanks for the excellent care and comfort provided.
DeWayne donated his body to The University of Utah for medical research. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.
A Celebration of Life will be held July 6th from 6 to 9 pm at Le Jardin, 1910 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South) Sandy, Utah.
I am blessed to have known pop and enjoy his craziness. You had a great dad! He loved you all so much. ❤️ He will be missed. My prayers are with you all! Thank you for sharing him.
I started working with DeWayne at the Smelter in 1989. I was twenty-eight when I came from the Concentrator to the Smelter and DeWayne stood out among many who befriended me. He was always good for a laugh and was liked tremendously by all. He was very good at his job and you couldn’t help but like him. DeWayne, my man, rest in peace and may the Lord bestow comfort and love to your family. Queenie, RIP.
JimMonsen
We have some good memories with Dewayne. We had fun doing the chicken dance , and having drinking at the shooting star with him and Eric, and he even took a vacation to Bear Lake with us years ago. He was fun to be around he had a good sense of humor. We will miss you Dewayne. Don & Debbie
I'm sending from France all Dewayne's family and friends my deepest sympathy
We have shared so many good times with Dewayne, they will stay in my memory for all my life.
André.
What an amazing friend, mentor and fun guy! Dewey took Shane under his wing, when he was young and started with Kennecott, and took our small family in as his own. We have so many wonderful memories of him. If Dewey loved you, there is nothing he wouldn't do for you. Our hopes are that the pain his family and friends are feeling, will be replaced with smiles and laughter when you remember him in earlier days. He is one in a million, and we've missed and will continue to miss him.
We love you Queenie! ❤️
He was a. Good man i work with him at kcc
Came from the concentrators to the smelter in 1985, he help me a lot in the Union great guy will miss him.
I worked with Dewayne at the smelter for many many years. We had many many good times together. We both got divorced about the same time and live together in a little greenhouse on 10th N. and 14th west. We had many great times and memories,thank you Dewayne I love you bye
DeWayne you are my best friend ! We shared many, many good times together . Traveling the world ( Spain, Portugal, Rock of Gibraltar, numerous cruises Mexico, Western Caribbean, Azores, Mediterranean, also more destinations like Barbados, Rio Brazil, Mazatlan,Puerto Vallarta, Cabo , Germany for a month to stay with Kevin ( Octoberfest) with side trips to Paris, France and Austria, Lichtenstein, Switzerland. I'm sure I've forgotten a few . All were great trips and I enjoyed your company ! You were like a brother to me and I loved being around you and your kids . I felt welcomed into your family and considered your children mine . We have that close of a relationship and I cherish their friendship! You are a great guy and friend to many ! You'll be missed by all. Love you DeWayne, I'll see again tell Mom Hi ! Eric
Rest in God's grace Dewayne. It was an honor working with you at Mountain View Golf Course. May God comfort your family, with your passing.
We are so sorry about DeWaynes passing.We know it has been a hard time of your life.We we’re so impressed how you stepped up and took care of your dad in his time of need.We know he was a sports enthusiast,but also a good father to you kids.Once again we are sorry for your loss,but we will always be there for all of you Love you Uncle Art and aunt Jo