Obituary of Richard M. Thompson

Richard "Dick Thompson Himrod: Richard "Dick" Thompson, went to his rest on March 27, 2022 at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital in Penn Yan. Dick was born on April 20, 1936 in Avoca, New York. He joined his parents, Allen and Mary (Squiers) Thompson, and sisters Allene and Jody (Joyce). After graduating from Haverling High School in Bath, Dick enlisted in the US Army and was stationed at Fontainebleau, France. It was during this time that he had the opportunity to attend the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and developed a lifelong love of sports cars and auto racing. Upon leaving the service, he attended Corning Community College and the University of Buffalo to earn a degree in Physical Therapy. Dick married Peg Schweitzer in 1963, and they welcomed two children – Paul in 1965 and Karen in 1968. They lived in Rochester, New York, where Dick worked at the Al Sigl Center. With the help of close friends Joe and Betty Strong, the Thompsons purchased property in Himrod, New York. That connection led to the family's move to Penn Yan in when Dick was offered the opportunity to lead the Physical Therapy department at Soldiers & Sailors. After both children graduated from High School, Dick opened Richard Thompson Physical Therapy. After retiring from practice, Dick and Peg renovated and moved to their Himrod property, where Dick enjoyed working outdoors and watching the clouds. He did extensive research into the history of the property, and spent hours reading and making notes on his findings. Dick loved the practice of Physical Therapy, and put his whole heart into helping others recover. He remembered his patients fondly, even decades after their treatment ended. The family asks that those who knew him remember him as he was when he was in his element. No service will be held at this time, but those who wish to do so may make donations in his name to Himrod Volunteer Fire Department 3530 Himrod Rd., Himrod, NY 14842-9608, the Dundee Fire Company, 12 Union St., Dundee, NY 14837, or the Humane Society of Yates County, P.O. Box 12, Penn Yan, NY 14527. Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home 36 Water St. Dundee, NY; online condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com