Otis J. Thompson, Jr

Lyndonville, VT: Otis J. Thompson, Jr., age 78, of Whipple Hill Drive, passed peacefully at the Pines Health & Rehab., Friday, January 12, 2024, with his wife, son, and family by his side. He spent only 47 days at the Pines following in-home care for a 12-year long battle with dementia.

Otis was born in Hartford, CT, on April 5, 1945, son to the late Otis J., Sr. and Lilly (Olson) Thompson.  He was raised and educated in Lyndonville, graduating from Lyndon Institute in the Class of 1963.  That same year he joined the Vermont National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1968.  Growing up in the Northeast Kingdom, Otis spent many countless hours of his youth with cousins in Sheffield at the Perry Holbrook State Park before it was on the state register. On January 7, 1967, he married the former Linda Graves and shared 57 years.  Otis loved the outdoors and hobbies were geared in that direction.  Hunting seasons were 2-3 weeks long at camp on Stannard Mountain, with his close friends, Norman, Rob, Batch as well as all their sons and grandsons for over 40 years. He was active in canoe racing, starting in East Burke, travelling all over New England and even to the Nationals a couple of times. Following retirement golfing at Kirby and St. Johnsbury Country Club was a crack-of-dawn event, vying to be first on the course. His pride and joy was the fulfillment of his dream of opening a nightclub, The Packing House on Hill Street in Lyndonville.  He and Linda proudly owned and operated the establishment for over 15 years with their partner, Norman Paquette.

Survivors include his loving wife: Linda Thompson of Lyndonville; children: Karen Thompson of Lyndonville and Dan Thompson (Caroline) of Lyndonville; grandchildren: Ripley and Dawson Thompson of Lyndonville, Autumn Thompson (Nick Way) of Manchester, NH, Zachary Thompson (Sylvia) of Newport, VT, Ryan Carr (Morgan) of Lunenburg, VT, and Mandy Carr (Matt Thomas) of Lunenburg; great-grandchildren: Bennet and Nora, and Vivvy and Teddy; his in-laws: Susan Hilton (Mark), Paula Gaskin (Tim), and Fred Graves (Nancy), and nieces: Paula, Peggy, Tissy & Lyndi.

He was predeceased by his parents, his sister: Leora Dunphy, brother-in-law: Ronald Dunphy, and niece: Pam Kallahan.

Friends may call on the family from 3-5PM on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at the Guibord-Pearsons Funeral Home, 15 Main Street in Lyndonville. Burial will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation in his name to the Pines Health & Rehab, memo- Emphasis on Memory Care, 601 Red Village Road, Lyndonville, VT 05851.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.guibordfh.com