Donald "Mert" Thompson

Donald "Mert" Thompson, born on July 29, 1939, in Colfax, Washington, passed away on January 29, 2026, surrounded by love and cherished memories. Mert’s departure coincided poignantly with the birthday of his beloved wife, Kathy, who preceded him in death. His passing came as a result of complications from Parkinsonism. He left a legacy deeply rooted in the hearts of his family and friends.

Mert attended elementary school in Deary, Idaho, until his family moved and he was enrolled in Moscow Jr. High. He later graduated from Moscow High School in 1957. He served honorably in the Navy, on the USS Ticonderoga from 1961 to 1966. After the military, he started his 32-year career at the Moscow Safeway, where his warm personality and work ethic shone brightly. These experiences became the cornerstones of his proudest accomplishments.

Known for his friendly demeanor, Mert had a special way of connecting with others—everyone knew him, and he never met a stranger. His family often remarked that once someone learned of Mert's identity, the reaction was invariably, "I know your dad, I love him. He is the greatest!"

Mert was an avid walker with a love for local sports, always cheering for the UI basketball teams, the Mariners and the Seahawks. His favorite local sports though, were the ones his relatives competed in. He attended many a little-league game, as well as wrestling meets, basketball games, BMX races, and soccer matches. His hobbies also included gardening, fishing, and water skiing, which he not only enjoyed throughout his life, but famously embarked on as a thrilling endeavor even on his 50th birthday! He had fond memories from his teenage years of hitchhiking to Rocky Point with water skis in tow, eagerly awaiting rides to ski across the lake. Mert’s vibrant personality thrived outside the grocery aisles. He had a soft spot for Bingo, and enjoyed travelling for bowling tournaments with his wife, Kathy. His ham radio operation was legendary, drawing enough power to disrupt every neighbor's electronics; if you ever had an unexplained blackout while listening to your favorite show, it was definitely Mert’s fault!

Mert is survived by his siblings, Mike (Anne) Thompson and Carla (Randy) Bingman; his children, Scott Judson (son-in-Law), Beth (Joe) Knickerbocker, Donna Thompson-Jones, and Lisa (Evan) Brandal; and his grandchildren, Amy, Adam, Jake, Kent, Kurt, Wyatt, Connor, Brittney, RyAnn, Cole, Ryan, and Eli, along with 15 great-grandchildren who will carry his memory forward.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Kathy; daughter, Pam Judson; mother, Mabel; father, JT Thompson; brother, Jerry Thompson; and sister, Sherla Frances.

A private Honor's graveside burial for Mert will take place on February 6 at the Tekoa, WA cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge in Moscow, Idaho, on February 7 at 1:00-4:00 PM. In this time of remembrance, Mert’s family invites everyone who knew him to gather, share stories, and celebrate a life well-lived—a life full of love, laughter, and lasting connections.