Obituary of Robert L. Thompson

Robert (Bob) L. Thompson, 84, of Lake Placid, formerly of Ft. Lauderdale, FL passed away on November 30, 2014 after a short stay at Uihlein Mercy Center. Robert was born in Lake Placid on March 19, 1930, the eldest son of Archibald Burton and Louva Helen (King) Thompson. He graduated from Lake Placid High School where he lettered in skiing and was the undefeated New York High School cross-country champion. He attended St. Lawrence University and then transferred to Paul Smith's College. Robert was a member of Paul Smith's inaugural cross country team where he excelled in both ski jumping and cross country skiing, setting several course records in the latter. Robert joined the United States Army in 1951 and was stationed in Berlin, Germany with the Occupational Forces. On April 11, 1955, he married Carolyn M. Wilcox in St. Agnes Catholic Church. They moved to Ft. Lauderdale, FL where he joined Carpenters Union Local 1394 to which he belonged until he retired. Robert was a construction superintendent for Pagliara Builders and Raffa Associates. He built many churches, schools, businesses and private homes in the South Florida area. In his later years, Robert worked for Raider Construction, based in the US Virgin Islands as the General Superintendent. He was involved with the construction of the Atlantis Hotel in the Bahamas as well as Frenchman's Reef and Bluebeard's Castle on St. Thomas, USVI. Robert was a member of the Lion's Club of Ft. Lauderdale. He also enjoyed watching his favorite NFL team, the Miami Dolphins. Robert is survived by his wife of 59 years Carolyn, his five children Steven (Pam) Thompson of Lake Placid; Dr. Wendy Thompson of Tallahassee, FL; Mark Thompson and his fianc Ruth Prager of St. Thomas, USVI; Patti Thompson of Lake Placid; Gary Thompson of Tallahassee, FL; his granddaughter, Samantha (Nicholas) Rawls of Tallahassee, FL and three great-grandchildren, Liliana, Madison and Rylan Rawls. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, and two brothers Burton and Carl Thompson. A funeral service will be held Friday, December 5th at 10:00 AM at the M. B. Clark, inc. Funeral Home in Lake Placid, NY. Rev. John Yonkovig will officiate and the Lake Placid American Legion will offer a American Legion Prayer Service. Burial will be at St. Agnes Cemetery in the spring. Memorial donations may be made to High Peaks Hospice, the Lake Placid Volunteer Ambulance Service or Uihlein Mercy Center. Relatives and friends are invited to share a memory or leave online condolences at www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com.