Steven Roy Thompsen

Steven Roy Thompsen passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at home in Littleton, CO. He was born December 25, 1952, in Bethesda, Maryland, to Roy and Eleanor (Mattson) Thompsen. Steve was a graduate of Skaneateles Central High School where he was voted most valuable athlete and played football, basketball, and baseball. Steve's family moved often during his childhood, and he lived in New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Colorado. 

 

Steve had a true passion for horticulture and animals and a hunger for learning, teaching, and environmental advocacy. He held a bachelor's degree in liberal arts, a B.A. in History and a B.S. in Management Science from SUNY Geneseo, a degree in system's programming, an MBA from the University of Dallas, his Real Estate License from Jones Real Estate, and a Master Gardener certificate from Colorado State University. He also taught courses on composting, horticulture, ecology, sustainability, xeriscaping, gardening, etymology, and cultural practices. Steve began his career in IT but left to pursue his dream career in horticulture.

 

Even during his three-year battle with lung cancer, Steve continued to learn and teach. He earned certificates from The Open University (Introducing Mammals) and the American Museum of Natural History in Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation. He also consulted Arapahoe County Government to create a native Zeric landscape and sent several letters to his state senator on a wide range of issues. Steve was an intellectual but what he loved most was spending time at 'The Ranch'; 40-acres of land he owned with his wife in Southpark, CO. He loved to ride around on his ATV, fish the local lakes, and entertain his children and grandchildren. He never met a plant, animal, insect or bird he didn't like.

 

Steve was preceded in death by his father, Roy; his brother, Glenn; and his beloved dog, Dude. Steve will continue to be cherished by his wife of 37 years, Karen (Fieger), his children: Erik (Angela) Thompsen of Littleton, CO,  Elizabeth Hadley of Littleton, CO, Lisa (Brian Best) Thompsen of Petaluma, CA, and Kristi (Brad) Harvey of Parker, CO, his grandchildren: Madison, Carter, Austin, Samara, and Easton, his brother, Dave (Linda) Thompsen, his sister, Jennifer (Bryan) Sherman, his mother, Eleanor, and many nieces and nephews. 

 

Steve's family will be holding a Celebration of Life for family and friends at Hudson Gardens on April 27, 2023, at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, Steve would love donations to the Denver Audubon, or the Colorado Nature Conservancy.