This is topic The Passing of Dan Thompson in forum Predator forum at The New Huntmastersbbs!.
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Posted by Mark Zepp (Member # 3400) on December 31, 2011, 04:06 PM:
A few minutes ago, on New Years Eve, 2011, the phone rang and I was once reminded how precious, fleeting and quickly our time on earth, and this thing we call “life” passes.
The message was from a friend in Nevada who informed me that Dan Thompson, at the age of 68, passed away on Christmas Day.
I think I am qualified to say a few things about Dan; I was lucky enough to spend several months with he and his late wife Wanda, back in 1997 or ’98. I was living out of my van, traveling the west and stopped in Rawlins to meet him. …… I knew then, that instant, that it was a great day for me and have come to appreciate it even more as the years have passed. What a common bond, coyotes, we formed and a great friendship.
Dan Thompson was a wolfer in every sense of the word… many of todays most popular names simply were never worthy of being mentioned in the same sentence. He often told me he was happy to have been born when he was and young when the fur boom hit in the late 70’s… of nights sleeping under his truck and gasoline stashes’ set out in the desert and living off the land.
I have always said that I am Dan’s Thompson’s greatest admirer. Like all of us he had some flaws, some holes, some chinks in his armor and some of those got a little bigger as he got older, but don’t hold that against him, if that is the Dan you knew. I knew him in his glory and can hear him laughing now, what a great guy to be around. I know what a positive influence he had on my life and countless others and how much he loved this great sport of ours. I am a better man, person, and absolutely 10,000 times better coyote hunter because of Dan Thompson. Some guys can talk a good game, he could walk and talk it…..and shoot like few others.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Danny Jr. and his daughter Estraella at this moment.
Hug your wife a little longer when the bells chime at midnight tonight, tell your kids you love them.
God Speed Friends,
Big Mark
Posted by the bearhunter (Member # 3552) on December 31, 2011, 04:31 PM:
damn sad to hear that Mark.
Posted by Jay Nistetter (Member # 140) on December 31, 2011, 04:38 PM:
Dan and Wanda are together again. Oh how he missed her. I miss them both.
Dan was one of the most positive through and through coyotes hunters I ever have known.
Thank you for letting us know Mark.
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on December 31, 2011, 04:39 PM:
Very sad news, Mark. Thanks for providing it. I'm surprised it has taken this long to make this Board, but an appreciative that it finally did. Yes, we grumpy old men sometimes get a little direct, but there is still some value in having that historical perspective.
Dan Thompson will be remembered for a long time.
Good hunting. LB (shit, I'm almost two years older! Don't lend me any money)
edit: Jay, thanks for the card!
[ December 31, 2011, 04:41 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
Posted by Big Red Fox (Member # 3648) on December 31, 2011, 04:39 PM:
Definately a name that will remain in the predator world. Well written as always Big Mark. Thanks for the insight into what kind of man he was.
Posted by nd coyote killer (Member # 40) on December 31, 2011, 05:04 PM:
Thats too bad i still use his Red Desert Howler and yes that name will be remembered for some time to come.
Posted by TRnCO (Member # 690) on December 31, 2011, 05:14 PM:
thoughts to his famly. Another coyote hunting icon has left us behind on this earth.
Posted by Wily E (Member # 3649) on December 31, 2011, 08:08 PM:
I liked the fact that Dan thought for himself as opposed to being a follower. He contributed a lot to the sport of coyote calling. Dan started his own hunt in Rawlins when he saw how corrupt the National was getting. Dan T. was a good man.
~SH~
Posted by Alaskan Yoter (Member # 169) on December 31, 2011, 09:18 PM:
Sad news indeed. Thanks for letting us know.
Posted by Randy Roede (Member # 1273) on December 31, 2011, 09:43 PM:
He may be gone but he will never be forgotten!
Posted by jimanaz (Member # 3689) on December 31, 2011, 09:55 PM:
Sad news indeed. Randy said it best. Condolences.
Posted by Chris S (Member # 3888) on December 31, 2011, 11:00 PM:
Another great one with superior skill and knowledge has left us for greener pastures. That is indeed sad news.
Posted by UTcaller (Member # 8) on January 01, 2012, 01:33 AM:
Very sad to hear.Definitely a giant in the sport of Predator calling.He will be missed.
Chad
Posted by Cdog911 (Member # 7) on January 01, 2012, 05:21 AM:
Sorry to hear this. Do you have a link to an obituary?
Posted by 4949shooter (Member # 3530) on January 01, 2012, 05:35 AM:
May he rest in peace.
Posted by Alaskan Yoter (Member # 169) on January 01, 2012, 05:56 AM:
http://rawlinstimes.com/obituaries/
[ January 01, 2012, 05:57 AM: Message edited by: Alaskan Yoter ]
Posted by JD (Member # 768) on January 01, 2012, 08:14 AM:
Sad indeed.....as a testament to his love of coyote hunting and ability to make a decent call, myself and I'm sure MANY others have accidentally scattered his howlers or at least the horn all over Gods country, Maybe he can look down at the handful I've lost in Nebraska and see it as a compliment from someone who didn't know him personally but appreciates what he did and accomplished. RIP
Posted by coyotehunter (Member # 3282) on January 01, 2012, 09:04 AM:
My prayers go out to his family. Well said Mark.
Jamie P Olson
Posted by J_hun (Member # 872) on January 01, 2012, 11:05 AM:
Much to my regret, I never met Dan,but knew of him. Thanks Mark for sharing your thoughts. Sounds like he was a great fella. My heart go out to his family.
Posted by Kokopelli (Member # 633) on January 01, 2012, 05:53 PM:
Rather than mourn Dan's death, why not celebrate his life???
Go hunting & slow down. Enjoy yourself.
Blow a hand call for a change. They still work.
Take the time to learn to really read sign. The ground will talk to you if you listen.
Watch the sunrise or sunset. Sometimes it can be pretty spectacular.
Posted by knockemdown (Member # 3588) on January 01, 2012, 06:07 PM:
To all who knew Mr. Thompson, I'm sorry for your loss. I have of of Mr. Zepp's videos with Mr. Thompson in it and really enjoyed watching it...
Posted by Possumal (Member # 823) on January 01, 2012, 10:16 PM:
Really sad news. Dan Thompson and his wife were always ready to help anybody interested in coyote hunting, and he surely made some unique calls. I'd say Mark is a lucky man to have spent so much time in Dan's company. Prayers on the way from Kentucky for Dan and his wife, together again, and to his family.
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