Welcome to the memorial page for
C. Sheldon "Slim" Thompson, Jr.
October 13, 1927 ~ January 25, 2016 (age 88) 88 Years Old Light a Candle
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A candle was lit by The California Johnson Family
on March 7, 2016 9:31 AM
Message from Brad Johnson
February 21, 2016 8:33 PM
I have many fond memories of Slim. I can hear his distinct voice even as I write this note. As small children, my sister Tracy and I were fascinated with his knowledge of minerals. I can remember holding pieces of Feldspar, Quartz, and if I go on, I'll betray the fact that I don't know much more. Tracy continued with her interest in the subject Slim introduced to us, always maintaining a "rock collection" as we called it, and even today, as a long time goldsmith, Tracy's chief interest is with the gemstones, which find themselves at the center of her work. When I think of Slim, I'll remember lazy summer days, when he and Linda visited, we hung out with cocktails on the gravel patio, while he and my folks traded old stories. He was smart, kind and a real human being. He will be remembered very well.
Message from Mark Ellis
February 14, 2016 9:37 PM
I'm sadden to be writing to you on the occasion of Slim's passing, but I wanted to express my sympathies. Slim was a great mentor and a great friend. You may recall the many calls I placed to him when I was at the American Mining Congress. I learned a lot at his knees (which were much stronger then!). I am privileged to have known him. Please know that a part of him lives on in me. Best, Mark
Message from John Kelse
February 14, 2016 12:04 PM
As some of you may know - over twenty years ago, I had the privilege of saying a few words at Slims’ retirement dinner. And - at that time - I brought along this guy – a decorative touch Slim proudly displayed in his minerals lab at Vanderbilt.
This still prompts smiles – it reminds us of Slim - - a cigar smoking - - thick skinned guy who - at times - seemed to spend an inordinate amount of time in a state of relaxation . Yet, when his sense of fairness/his science was challenged - he’d quickly turn into a feisty advisory. But – Slim was also unlike this guy in ways – ways not stressed at his retirement dinner because we were all more interested in roasting him at the time. He was - in fact - unlike this guy in some very important ways. Over all the years I knew him – worked with him – I never saw a vindictive bone in his body. We all knew him to be a genuinely warm – thoughtful man. And – even after a few martini’s - with no fruits or vegetables – considerably brighter than this guy as well. Or - so he claimed.
During his time at the Vanderbilt company Slim worked very effectively with scientific bodies, regulatory agencies, mineral linked trade groups and left a lasting, positive legacy. AND - he was - and will remain - one of those rare individuals you always think of affectionately – even those he crossed swords with thought of him in this way. Losing someone so likable – is a special lose – but we all feel fortunate to have known him – to have shared a part of his life for just this reason.
You know there will always be some “slim” story told – that he will live on in our memories. For me - Slim was a true friend and a mentor – I know, I will never forget him.
I think Slim liked the idea that this miracle of taxidermy suggested the toughness – the tenacity - in him. But in both is professional and personal life - it’s really this other - - more important, part of him I believe we will remember most – his calm, his humor, his thoughtfulness, his humility, his moral sense of what was right and what was wrong - that will be remembered most. Thank you for giving me this second opportunity to honor him.
This still prompts smiles – it reminds us of Slim - - a cigar smoking - - thick skinned guy who - at times - seemed to spend an inordinate amount of time in a state of relaxation . Yet, when his sense of fairness/his science was challenged - he’d quickly turn into a feisty advisory. But – Slim was also unlike this guy in ways – ways not stressed at his retirement dinner because we were all more interested in roasting him at the time. He was - in fact - unlike this guy in some very important ways. Over all the years I knew him – worked with him – I never saw a vindictive bone in his body. We all knew him to be a genuinely warm – thoughtful man. And – even after a few martini’s - with no fruits or vegetables – considerably brighter than this guy as well. Or - so he claimed.
During his time at the Vanderbilt company Slim worked very effectively with scientific bodies, regulatory agencies, mineral linked trade groups and left a lasting, positive legacy. AND - he was - and will remain - one of those rare individuals you always think of affectionately – even those he crossed swords with thought of him in this way. Losing someone so likable – is a special lose – but we all feel fortunate to have known him – to have shared a part of his life for just this reason.
You know there will always be some “slim” story told – that he will live on in our memories. For me - Slim was a true friend and a mentor – I know, I will never forget him.
I think Slim liked the idea that this miracle of taxidermy suggested the toughness – the tenacity - in him. But in both is professional and personal life - it’s really this other - - more important, part of him I believe we will remember most – his calm, his humor, his thoughtfulness, his humility, his moral sense of what was right and what was wrong - that will be remembered most. Thank you for giving me this second opportunity to honor him.
Message from Tracy Johnson Colby
February 12, 2016 9:13 AM
Slim was my father's cousin and they adored each other. We all lived in CT which made it a bit easier to visit and share time together. The Thompson side of my family used to visit and leave behind rocks and specimens which fascinated me. My interest in rocks turned into gemstones which turned into a 40 year career in the jewelry industry, becoming a goldsmith and running my own business. Slim was always generous with a laugh and that mustache curled up at just the right moment! Many summer evenings were spent on our patio enjoying cocktails and I fear a few cigars..
I am so sorry to know Slim is no longer on this earth, which he loved so dearly. He is missed and will always have a special place in my heart.
I am so sorry to know Slim is no longer on this earth, which he loved so dearly. He is missed and will always have a special place in my heart.
Message from Leanne Simandle
February 8, 2016 2:53 PM
Memories of my Uncle Slim from Leanne Thompson Simandle, niece
I remember the last big hug I got from him on the occasion of my Father’s remarriage after my mother died. I can see his BIG smile and hearty laugh. He always reminded me of his Dad, my grandfather in look, personality and especially voice. I never tired of the brotherly bantering between him and my father. Their stories of shared adventures were endless.
When Uncle Slim would arrive for a visit, dressed as a New Yorker; my father teased and insisted he remove his tie upon landing in California. When reversed, my uncle met my father with a tie, to make his little brother presentable in the big city – or so the story goes. I can remember the smell of the “Stogies” he would smoke while visiting – quite a novelty to me – not really a So. Cal. thing to do. I’ve used their relationship as an example of brotherly love so many times in my life. I don’t know any other brothers and sisters who always exemplified such a pure bond of love. Instead of being known for their childish squabbles, they were uniquely inseparable with big brother (Sheldon) always watching out for little brother (Bruce). They were very different in so many ways, but bound by a love that time/distance could not tarnish.
I remember countless trips to Salt Lake City to stay with the cousins and play in the snow or taking them to the beach when they visited us in Santa Barbara. I always thought of my Uncle as being a miracle after hearing the stories of his surviving a terrible car accident caused by a drunk driver - while Lynn and I were babies. He had so many surgeries throughout his life as a result, and I know he lived with pain. I never heard him complain. My cousin Kathy has memorialized Uncle Slim so perfectly when she created a beautiful book upon my father’s death “as a living reminder of two special men and their relationship as brothers.” She sums up their lives together because the one was an integral part of the other. I do the same.
Kathy described “The love that held them together like a string that was sometimes stretched for miles and miles only to spring back for a tighter bond when the distance between them disappeared…” When my father died, she wrote, “Now the distance is great, the string has been stretched father than ever, but the threads are strong and will hold together with the memories and love that runs through the blood and through the soul.” Now those strings are our memories. They comfort and serve as beacons for us who remain, to live fully by their example of love for each other and love/generosity to others.
Uncle Slim, you are alive in my heart as is my father and my precious grandparents. You are a part of the Thompson legacy of faith, strength and perseverance and giving of ourselves to those around us -
I remember the last big hug I got from him on the occasion of my Father’s remarriage after my mother died. I can see his BIG smile and hearty laugh. He always reminded me of his Dad, my grandfather in look, personality and especially voice. I never tired of the brotherly bantering between him and my father. Their stories of shared adventures were endless.
When Uncle Slim would arrive for a visit, dressed as a New Yorker; my father teased and insisted he remove his tie upon landing in California. When reversed, my uncle met my father with a tie, to make his little brother presentable in the big city – or so the story goes. I can remember the smell of the “Stogies” he would smoke while visiting – quite a novelty to me – not really a So. Cal. thing to do. I’ve used their relationship as an example of brotherly love so many times in my life. I don’t know any other brothers and sisters who always exemplified such a pure bond of love. Instead of being known for their childish squabbles, they were uniquely inseparable with big brother (Sheldon) always watching out for little brother (Bruce). They were very different in so many ways, but bound by a love that time/distance could not tarnish.
I remember countless trips to Salt Lake City to stay with the cousins and play in the snow or taking them to the beach when they visited us in Santa Barbara. I always thought of my Uncle as being a miracle after hearing the stories of his surviving a terrible car accident caused by a drunk driver - while Lynn and I were babies. He had so many surgeries throughout his life as a result, and I know he lived with pain. I never heard him complain. My cousin Kathy has memorialized Uncle Slim so perfectly when she created a beautiful book upon my father’s death “as a living reminder of two special men and their relationship as brothers.” She sums up their lives together because the one was an integral part of the other. I do the same.
Kathy described “The love that held them together like a string that was sometimes stretched for miles and miles only to spring back for a tighter bond when the distance between them disappeared…” When my father died, she wrote, “Now the distance is great, the string has been stretched father than ever, but the threads are strong and will hold together with the memories and love that runs through the blood and through the soul.” Now those strings are our memories. They comfort and serve as beacons for us who remain, to live fully by their example of love for each other and love/generosity to others.
Uncle Slim, you are alive in my heart as is my father and my precious grandparents. You are a part of the Thompson legacy of faith, strength and perseverance and giving of ourselves to those around us -
Message from Hal Ross
February 8, 2016 9:26 AM
Fortunately for me, I met Slim when I was way into rocks. I was around 9 years old and entranced by crystals and geodes and Slim had the most amazing rock collection which he was more than happy to re-examine for my benefit. As he spoke to me, I could see the light in his eyes that reflected something big and bright and wonderful – the light of the West. The wild West that he knew so well: California, Utah, New Mexico, Wyoming. He was clearly a lucky man for he had seen Nature alive in those far away lands and that glint in his eye continued to shine, all the way back in woodsy Connecticut.
I like to hope that I’ll have the same kind of Western shine after living out here for such a long time now – but I don’t think I’ve spent enough time actually in the West: digging, exploring, getting hands into the earth, turning up gems. Slim certainly did that -- and the big, vast sky stayed with him. He lit up that day for a young kid in CT – I thought: how cool, so many places to explore! – and I truly am fortunate to have shared some of that crystalline light with Slim; he certainly knew how to appreciate the beauty of it all.
From California, my whole family offers love, thoughts and condolences to Linda, Kathy, Lynn, Charlie and Slim’s grandchildren – all gems, each and every one…
HR 2/6/16
I like to hope that I’ll have the same kind of Western shine after living out here for such a long time now – but I don’t think I’ve spent enough time actually in the West: digging, exploring, getting hands into the earth, turning up gems. Slim certainly did that -- and the big, vast sky stayed with him. He lit up that day for a young kid in CT – I thought: how cool, so many places to explore! – and I truly am fortunate to have shared some of that crystalline light with Slim; he certainly knew how to appreciate the beauty of it all.
From California, my whole family offers love, thoughts and condolences to Linda, Kathy, Lynn, Charlie and Slim’s grandchildren – all gems, each and every one…
HR 2/6/16
Message from T. Kelly
February 5, 2016 1:28 PM
I recently read about the loss of your dear loved one. Although we are not acquainted personally, please accept my condolences. Losing a dear loved one can leave a very empty space in one’s life. Please find strength, hope, and comfort in the God of Comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4).
Message from Charles S Thompson
February 4, 2016 12:32 PM
My Mineralogy Connection With My Father
-Charles S Thompson, Jan. 2016
Although I pursued a career in Engineering, my Dad and I developed a strong relationship regarding minerals. Those that work in any scientific field must adhere to the same “sound scientific principles” in order to achieve accurate results. So there was immediate common ground between my career and my father’s. We shared many scientific articles over the years.
Dad took my sisters and me on a field trip into the mountains outside Salt Lake City, Utah to find specimens for my 7th grade science project. This trip was an early exposure to the world of rocks and geology.
When I entered 8th grade, Dad placed mineral specimens from his collection he had started as a child on a shelf in our basement. I learned their names and their chemical compositions. A Christmas gift from my parents was an ultraviolet lamp with some fluorescent mineral specimens. That resulted in a senior High School project and learning the fundamentals of fluorescence and phosphorescence.
In 1981 I moved to Tucson and my interest in collectible mineral specimens increased with Tucson being the world center for mineral shows and the abundant opportunities for field collecting. There are many abandoned mines in Arizona and throughout the western US. Every time I went underground, I thought of Dad’s experiences in the famous Ojuela Mine in Durango, Mexico. Dad’s collection and my collection became “our” collection due to a team effort. I started emphasizing the Ojuela Mine location in my collection.
One a visit to Connecticut in 1994, Dad and I went through some boxes of minerals that hadn’t been opened in 20 years or more. We both were suffering from back pain. While assessing the specimens, statements from Dad such as “I don’t see why anyone would keep a rock like that” and “That’s a whole lot of rock for such a small part of interest” and with reference to a box labeled Gastroliths which are semi polished stones supposedly swallowed by dinosaurs to aid in digestion, “Come on, how do you prove that’s what these really are?” had me rolling on the floor and forgetting about the back pain.
I was fortunate to have my Dad stay with me when he had field work with Ted Eyde and attended professional meetings in Arizona. We were able to do some field collecting in the Silver Bell and Dragoon mountains in southern Arizona. In 1999, Slim’s brother Bruce drove to Tucson from Santa Barbara, Dad brought specimens on the plane, and the three of us put together a guest exhibit at the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show. The show theme that year was Minerals of Mexico and we displayed the self collected specimens Dad and Uncle Bruce collected in the Ojuela Mine in 1948. Dad insisted his brother hand-write the labels as Bruce was a talented landscape designer with extensive drafting experience. A proud three we were.
Once Dad became unable to travel, I shipped some minerals to him. I remember him saying; “We’re supposed to be transferring specimens out to Arizona”. I replied that I wanted to share some new acquisitions, that I wasn’t skilled at macro photography yet. A very memorable moment was when I presented him in person with one of the best Cuprian Adamite specimens known to exist. Dad is thought to be one of the first to bring this species out of the mine. The look on his face was the best gift in the world to me.
The memories and lessons are forever.
Message from Linda Crawley
February 4, 2016 10:07 AM
I wanted to take a moment to remember my Uncle Slim. Unfortunately we lived our lives on opposite coasts, and most of my memories are from childhood, and yet still he has always been a part of my life. As a little girl, I remember him being big and burly compared to my dad, crushing me in his arms when he would hug me. He was quick to laugh, and full of tales of adventure. I sat in amazement listening to my dad tell me of things they had done together as young boys, and could see the deep love and affection my father had for his older brother. It was easy to see why! I treasured his visits to California and the times we reunited as family. As I grew up, I admired him greatly for his service to our nation and was absolutely in awe of his many professional accomplishments. Most of all, he not only came from a wonderful, loving family, but went on to create one of his own. He suffered many physical difficulties in his lifetime going all the way back to a devastating car crash in his youth that came close to taking his life. Like his father before him, he faced each challenge with courage and strength, never giving up, fighting hard to the very end. I love you Uncle Slim! You will always be loved and remembered fondly, and the wonderful legacy of a loving family lives on in your children and grandchildren. I believe you lived life to its fullest with no regrets, and made a significant contribution to the world you leave behind. That's a very special thing indeed!
Linda Thompson Crawley
Linda Thompson Crawley
Message from Ted and Maxine Eyde
February 4, 2016 10:03 AM
Slim Thompson was a professional associate and personal friend. Slim was a real scientist whose knowledge of applied mineralogy far exceeded that of his colleagues. I met Slim in 1961 where he was on the staff of Union Carbide's Sterling Forest Mineral Research Laboratory. He and I examined and evaluated zeolite deposits in the western United States that were discovered by Union Carbide Corporation's Linde Company Molecular Sieve Department. He always was a pleasure to travel with because of his wide spread knowledge of the mineralogy and economic geology of both metallic and nonmetallic mineral deposits.. The objective of the program he worked on was to investigate and develop applications for specialty and performance zeolite products with applications in paper, filtration media, and surface modified plastic fillers and extenders. Slim took a leave of absence and obtained a doctorate in geology at the University of Utah. He was transferred to the Niagara Falls research laboratory where he continued to investigate mineral applications. The research department was closed when Union Carbide sold its mineral and metallurgical businesses.
Slim joined the R.T. Vanderbilt Company where he was manager of the minerals laboratory. He learned that the Vanderbilt Company needed to acquire a hectorite deposit. Hectorite is a lithium clay used as a thickener in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. Slim remembered that I had examined deposits of white clay when I worked on the zeolite program for the Linde Company. As a result the Lyle Hectorite deposit in Arizona was acquired and is in production. I will be forever grateful to Slim Thompson who helped me to develop a consulting company that specialized in the exploration, development, production and marketing of specialty and performance industrial products. He always actively supported the projects that I worked on for the R.T. Vanderbilt Company. His accomplishments would fill a library and his legacy will live on. My wife Maxine and I convey our sympathy to his wife and family and our thanks to them for providing the love and care during the end of his journey through life. We had the privilege to know and enjoy this remarkable individual who did not want vegetables in his martini.
Ted and Maxine Eyde
Slim joined the R.T. Vanderbilt Company where he was manager of the minerals laboratory. He learned that the Vanderbilt Company needed to acquire a hectorite deposit. Hectorite is a lithium clay used as a thickener in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. Slim remembered that I had examined deposits of white clay when I worked on the zeolite program for the Linde Company. As a result the Lyle Hectorite deposit in Arizona was acquired and is in production. I will be forever grateful to Slim Thompson who helped me to develop a consulting company that specialized in the exploration, development, production and marketing of specialty and performance industrial products. He always actively supported the projects that I worked on for the R.T. Vanderbilt Company. His accomplishments would fill a library and his legacy will live on. My wife Maxine and I convey our sympathy to his wife and family and our thanks to them for providing the love and care during the end of his journey through life. We had the privilege to know and enjoy this remarkable individual who did not want vegetables in his martini.
Ted and Maxine Eyde
Message from Fred Johnson
February 4, 2016 10:02 AM
Sheldon (Slim) Thompson
My name is Fred Johnson; I am the Brother of Slim’s first wife Vera (Vee) Johnson-Thompson and am Brother-in-Law to Slim.
On behalf of the Johnson Family in California, I wish to express our sincere sympathy to Lynn, Charlie and Kathy and their families for the loss of their Father and Grandfather Slim (Sheldon) Thompson. I also wish to express our sincere sympathy to Slim’s Widow, Linda.
I can remember back to the 1950’s when Slim and Vee would periodically visit our family in Monrovia, California. The most memorable visit was when Slim and Vee arrived at our house, Vee driving and Slim in almost a full body white cast with messages from friends and relatives written on it. He still managed to enjoy his cigars, but needed help lighting it. Then I can remember visiting Slim, Vee and their children Lynn, Charlie and Kathy at their home in Salt Lake City. We went on a picnic up Little/Big Cottonwood Canyons and Slim showed us where the Granite stones for the Mormon Temple were quarried. Slim showed me how the granite was cut by drilling holes, in Winter filling hole with water, plugging the hole and waiting for water to freeze into ice. Result was a perfectly square Granite block. I remember wonderful and happy visits. Occasionally we would visit the nearby Kennecott Copper Mine where Slim worked. It seemed like every one knew Slim and that he was well known Mineralogist he was. What a marvelous experience that was.
Later on I remember visiting Slim and Vee’s home in New Jersey. What a fun time in a huge backyard with a lawn bordered by the woods beyond. I was 16 years old and remember Slim taking me for a ride in his MG and letting me drive it on the country roads. What a wonderful memory. He was laughing and smoking his cigar and I was driving him. We returned to the house and he gave me a bottle of Miller’s Beer “The Champagne of Bottled Beers” and we all played baseball.
Years later after Vee passed we lost touch.
Then, after 52 years with the help of Charlie, Kathy and Lynn, I re-connected with Slim and met Linda for the first time. Slim and I sat outside last Spring, looking deep into each other’s eyes, he remembered me and I remembered him. We totally connected and silently communicated. It was a very rich and emotional experience for both of us.
I loved Slim and will remember him always. May he Rest in Peace
My name is Fred Johnson; I am the Brother of Slim’s first wife Vera (Vee) Johnson-Thompson and am Brother-in-Law to Slim.
On behalf of the Johnson Family in California, I wish to express our sincere sympathy to Lynn, Charlie and Kathy and their families for the loss of their Father and Grandfather Slim (Sheldon) Thompson. I also wish to express our sincere sympathy to Slim’s Widow, Linda.
I can remember back to the 1950’s when Slim and Vee would periodically visit our family in Monrovia, California. The most memorable visit was when Slim and Vee arrived at our house, Vee driving and Slim in almost a full body white cast with messages from friends and relatives written on it. He still managed to enjoy his cigars, but needed help lighting it. Then I can remember visiting Slim, Vee and their children Lynn, Charlie and Kathy at their home in Salt Lake City. We went on a picnic up Little/Big Cottonwood Canyons and Slim showed us where the Granite stones for the Mormon Temple were quarried. Slim showed me how the granite was cut by drilling holes, in Winter filling hole with water, plugging the hole and waiting for water to freeze into ice. Result was a perfectly square Granite block. I remember wonderful and happy visits. Occasionally we would visit the nearby Kennecott Copper Mine where Slim worked. It seemed like every one knew Slim and that he was well known Mineralogist he was. What a marvelous experience that was.
Later on I remember visiting Slim and Vee’s home in New Jersey. What a fun time in a huge backyard with a lawn bordered by the woods beyond. I was 16 years old and remember Slim taking me for a ride in his MG and letting me drive it on the country roads. What a wonderful memory. He was laughing and smoking his cigar and I was driving him. We returned to the house and he gave me a bottle of Miller’s Beer “The Champagne of Bottled Beers” and we all played baseball.
Years later after Vee passed we lost touch.
Then, after 52 years with the help of Charlie, Kathy and Lynn, I re-connected with Slim and met Linda for the first time. Slim and I sat outside last Spring, looking deep into each other’s eyes, he remembered me and I remembered him. We totally connected and silently communicated. It was a very rich and emotional experience for both of us.
I loved Slim and will remember him always. May he Rest in Peace
Message from Konrad Rieger
January 28, 2016 2:32 PM
Linda,
I was sorry to hear about Slim. I want to offer my deepest sympathy. I had the privilege to work for Slim for many years and he was a great guy to work for .
I want you to know that I am thinking of you at this difficult time.
I was sorry to hear about Slim. I want to offer my deepest sympathy. I had the privilege to work for Slim for many years and he was a great guy to work for .
I want you to know that I am thinking of you at this difficult time.
Message from Ana Williams
January 28, 2016 1:21 PM
Please accept my condolences at this most difficult time. He (God) will wipe out
every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor
outcry nor pain be anymore. Revelation 21:4
every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor
outcry nor pain be anymore. Revelation 21:4
Message from Judy Kudrak
January 27, 2016 10:57 AM
Linda, So sorry to hear of Slim's passing. His health issues have been a challenge for both of you and you were with him every step. I hope that you take comfort knowing that you helped him so much to make the best of it. Now it is time to take care of yourself. Please let me know if I can help in any way. Love, Judy
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