Passing of Mike Thompson

[frojoe23]

I was very saddened to look at the paper today and see that Michael Thompson of Flintstone had passed away. Mike was quite the figure in area running and anybody who ever raced against him will remember him. It was always easy to spot Mike in a race - he was the guy running without any shoes on. Yes, Mike ran just about every race barefoot.

I can remember racing against him while I was still in high school. Every once in a while, I would have somebody ask me if I knew the guy who used to run all of the races barefoot.

It had been a while since Mike had participated in any races, but he will be sorely missed not only as a runner, but more importantly, as a great guy.

[Justin]

That is sad news. I remember him from when I was a little kid and my Dad was running races. He was always a great guy. I always heard he did a ton of running up Polish Mountain barefoot.

[gdbrown]

This is really sad news. I can remember when Mike started running. He was always very competitive, and, in a good-fun way, he wasn't afraid to tell you that he planned on finishing in front of you.

I knew Mike was a veteran of Viet Nam, but I didn't realize until I read the obituary that he was the model for Lee Teter's "Reflection" painting.

RIP Mike Thompson.

[kw]

How sad. I remember him from a few races from when I was in HS as well.

[wvrunner]

Mike was one of the greatest. He and I did a good bit of training together for Boston in 88 or 89 (I can't remember exactly what year). He was tough as nails but a true gentleman too. I know he loved to hunt and fish, he was a true outdoorsman. Mike will be missed by all of us whose life he impacted.