Robert Leon Thompson

Robert Leon (Bob/Bobby) Thompson passed away December 13, 2016, at age 67, at Mercy Medical Center in Redding. After decades of robust health, a blood disorder led to a stem cell bone marrow transplant 6 ½ years ago. This journey was aided by numerous friends, family, Hat Creek Construction employees, and countless people in the health care industry.

Bob was a larger-than-life man in the way he lived his life both personally and professionally. He took that same attack-approach to his medical challenges. Bob believed in "giving back", as evidenced by the way he volunteered for the many youth, service, community, and professional organizations he championed. Bob's early education included 5 years attending a 2-room school. He was a 1967 graduate of Fall River High School where he proudly participated in sports, leadership, and FFA. After high school, Bob attended Chico State, majoring in Agriculture. There he married his wife of 49 years, Alice Hutchings. Their only child, son Perry, was born in 1970. While they were students there, Bob worked at many and varying jobs to put himself (and Alice) through college without incurring large student loan debt. Bob's background in farming and ranching began as a toddler on the Hat Creek Hereford Ranch. He became active in 4-H and FFA. His involvement in agriculture continued when Bob, Alice, and Perry returned home. Bob helped run the family ranch and Alice began her 37 year teaching career. While Bob loved working with cattle, farming the land, and being involved in numerous agricultural organizations, he turned his focus to construction to "pay the bills".

With guidance and support from his father, Bob and brother-in-law Howard Lakey became founders and co-owners of Hat Creek Construction. They began from humble beginnings with a used Toyota pickup and several home remodel projects. They soon starting building homes and cabins in the Eagle Lake area. Bob's construction love favored equipment, and soon the company was doing road building, hydro construction, and general engineering work. The company is currently a dominant force in the construction industry and an area leader in asphalt, concrete, and aggregate delivery and placement. Bob was able to consult and advise until the time of his passing, and witnessed his beloved company and team complete its largest season ever, while proudly providing jobs for 125 local employees. Bob is survived by wife Alice, son Perry, daughter-in-law April, and grandchildren Isiah, Jessica, and Zachary. He is also survived by sisters Kathy (Howard) Lakey, Pam (Henry) Giacomini, and nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Robert Ivan and Lois Opdyke Thompson.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held Saturday, January 7, 2017, at 1 PM, in George Ingram Hall at the Inter Mountain Fairgrounds (where he served as a board member for 32 years) in McArthur, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that any donations be made to: New Hospital Wing Building Fund, Mayers I.H.F., P.O. Box 77, Fall River Mills, CA 96028.