Alexander Dingwall Thomson

CAPT Alexander (Al) Dingwall Thomson, USN, Retired, of Lorton, passed away peacefully in his sleep at age 97 on 19 January 2023. He was born in Scotland and immigrated to the United States at a young age. He grew up in Passaic, NJ and enlisted in the Navy after graduating from High School. He was selected to attend Naval Academy Prep School and subsequently attended and graduated from the Naval Academy in 1949 and was commissioned an ensign in the Navy. He married Elinor Mae Ufer on 11 June 1949 and began a 30 year career in the Navy. He was a veteran of WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He commanded a minesweeper, a destroyer and a repair ship. While commanding USS Bordelon (DD 881) he participated in the blockade of Cuba during the Cuban missile crisis. He served as the Naval Attache to Portugal in the early 1970’s. During his career he was awarded numerous service medals including: WWII American Campaign, WWII Navy Occupation Service, Korean Service, and National Defense Service. After retiring from the Navy, he worked as a defense contractor before retiring for good. He and Elinor then moved to Montross, VA, where they resided until Elinor’s passing in 2018. He then moved to assisted living in Lorton. Al and El loved to travel and enjoyed bird watching. Al also enjoyed playing pool and bridge at the clubhouse.

Alexander is preceded in death by Alexander Deas Thomson (father), Elizabeth Dingwall Thomson (mother), Betty Thomson Westhoven (sister) and Elinor Ufer Thomson (wife).

Alexander is survived by CAPT Alan Douglas Thomson, USN, Retired (son), Judy Hall Thomson (Alan’s wife), Linda Susan Thomson (daughter), Aaron Daniel Thomson and Gregory Alan Thomson (grandsons), Allison Mathis (Gregory’s wife), and Caroline Elizabeth Thomson (great granddaughter).

Funeral services will be held at Fort Myer Chapel followed by interment at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors on a date to be determined.