CARIBOU and NAPLES, Fla. – Frederick James Thompson, 76, died March 16, 2012, in Naples, Fla. He was born Oct. 2, 1935, in Caribou, son of the late Woodie and Ruth (Miller) Thompson.
Mr. Thompson was a 1953 graduate of Caribou High School and was a self-employed farmer and potato grower in the Caribou area for many years. He married Gail Bustard and was a longtime faithful member of Caribou United Baptist Church. Fred’s faith was meaningful to him, and his faith in the Lord grew deeper as the years went by. He enjoyed people and life. He had a great love of giving. Young people had a special place in Fred’s heart. When he was 17, his dad and uncle were tragically killed in a winter car accident. Fred had to take on more responsibilities due to this. Having gone through challenging experiences, he became a strong individual. He was an entrepreneur and was recognized numerous times for innovation in his farming business. In 1995 he was recognized by Frito-Lay for best quality out of storage potatoes nationwide for two weeks. He was thankful for his many friends and family, both in Caribou and Naples, Fla. He will be missed by many dear relatives of both Fred and Gail.
Fred is survived by his wife, Gail; daughter, Susan Cushman and her husband, Timothy, of Morton, Ill.; son, John and his wife, Heidi, of Bangor; seven grandchildren, Daniel, Rebekah, Susannah, Nathan and Andrew Cushman, and Eric and Jeffrey Thompson; one sister, Mary Polen and Elton of Seminole, Fla.; one sister-in-law, Debbie Thompson of Brewer; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his stepfather, Walter Pendleton; his brother, Philip; aunts, uncles and cousins.
Please contribute in Fred’s memory to charities of your choice. Services in the spring will be announced by Mockler Funeral Home, Caribou.
www.mocklerfuneralhome.com