Gard Ray Thompson

Saco

Gard Ray Thompson, 85, of Saco, Maine, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 26, 2024, at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine.

He was born in Auburn, Maine, on June 24, 1939, son of C. Ray and Dagmar H. (Carlson) Thompson.

Gard attended New Hampton Prep School, NH, after graduating from Edward Little High School, Auburn, ME, class of 1958. Later he attended Bates College and the University of Maine. He graduated from Aroostook State College, class of 1964, receiving his undergraduate degree in Education, and his Masters Degree in Education from University of Southern Maine at Gorham, class of 1970.

Gard began his teaching career in the Wells School System. He spent the next 25 years within the Saco School System at Governor John Fairfield School and C.K. Burns School, retiring in 1989.

Gard was an examiner for the Junior Maine Guide Program for over 50 years. He served as a lay reader and vestry member at Trinity Episcopal Church in Saco.  He volunteered in various capacities in the York County Audubon, Laudhome Farm and York County Power Squadron.  His love for trains took him from coast to coast within the United States and Canada.

Gard was predeceased by his sister Karen E. Thompson and his half-brothers, Hasty Thompson, Julian Thompson, and Richard Thompson.

He is survived by his former wife Mavis Anne Leighton Burns, two daughters Rae M. Thompson and Mike Verrier of Saco, Erica M. Thompson and husband Adam Vardy and their children Sonya and Alex of Brooklyn, NY.

A private service will be at graveside in Laurel Hill Cemetery.  The family will have a gathering and remembrance of his life at a future date.

To view Gard's memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com