David G. Thompson

David G. Thompson, 82, of Baileys Harbor passed away peacefully at home on September 3, 2024, after a complicated set of health issues.

David lived a life infused with art. No matter the circumstances, he always had a sketchbook by his side and a drawing pen in his shirt pocket, even in hospital rooms or in glove compartments. Even in the toughest of times, David stayed positive and upbeat.

Throughout his life he wore many hats in addition to his artistry: photographer, harbormaster, port captain, ship keeper, carpenter, bartender, model maker, antique clock repairer–and husband and friend to his wife of 44 years, Linda Thompson.

He was born in Hartford, Connecticut, to the late Valentine and Jane Thompson on June 23, 1942. As a child, his family frequently moved with his father’s job. His most formative years in Kingston, Ontario, were especially influential as this was where he learned to sail and thus began his love of water and boats.

His family returned to Janesville, Wisconsin, where he graduated from high school. He attended Layton School of Art and transferred to UW-Madison, earning an MFA in art. Because his father had introduced him to the beauty of Door County on a fishing trip, he moved to Fish Creek. He worked several summers at Peninsula Players. He became a bartender at The Rock and harbormaster at the Fish Creek Town Dock. He and Linda opened the Village Photographer, an old-time photo studio. During the winter, he became port captain for the Great Lakes winter lay-up fleet in Sturgeon Bay. He was caretaker for the Ryerson for several years as it sat idle near the bridge. During these years, he could often be seen rowing his double-oared Whitehall on the waters of Green Bay. He was passionate and loved everything about boats, but after he retired, he decided to learn everything he could about antique clocks, working for Draeb Jewelry as a horologist in training.

Skilled in pen and ink, David became well known for his annual Christmas cards. He never turned down a chance to make a drawing for someone, including medical staff. He spent endless hours making ship models of historical boats that included detailed miniatures. Imaginative in his own way, he dabbled in pastels, watercolors, assemblages, and more. His journals are filled with sketches, poetry, quotes, and ideas for new projects.

David had a close connection with cousins Julie Howard, Martha Castro, and Hunter Gullett. He will be deeply missed by his wife Linda; in-laws Mary and Jim Thomas, sons, Jeff and Mark; Susan Messner Whipp, daughter Myra; and Julie and Randy Tryczak, children, Sam and Ellie.

The family would like to thank retired nurse Holly Runquist and friend Tom Gallagher for their devoted help in time of need. He received personal care under the team at Aurora oncology (Dr. Gautam) and palliative care (Ashley Wolfgram) in Green Bay. The nurses at Home Health were nothing short of wonderful, with special thanks to Sheila for her assistance.

Memorials in honor of David’s life may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Door County Maritime Museum, or Wisconsin Public Radio for its jazz programming.

David loved to walk any shoreline. He wrote, “The answer may not be at the beach, but we should at least check.”

A celebration of his life and art will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Fish Creek Old Town Hall from 1-4 p.m. 

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