Bennett Thompson Obituary

Bennett Cloud Thompson

Ignacio resident Bennett Cloud Thompson died of liver cancer Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014, in Ignacio. He was 78.

Mr. Thompson was born to George and Lucy Cloud Thompson on March 2, 1936, in Ignacio. He attended the Ute Vocational School in Ignacio and Ignacio High School before graduating from Haskell Indian High School in Lawrence, Kansas. He was active in sports, especially basketball, as well as riding bulls and bareback.

He was an enrolled member of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and also claimed heritage from the Northern Ute Indian Tribe.

On June 16, 1959, he married LaVara June Burch in Aztec.

Mr. Thompson worked as an attendant for the boys dormitory at the vocational school for 18 years and in solid-waste management for the tribe for a decade.

Mr. Thompson was a traditional dancer, Sun Dancer, an avid hunter and enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcyle, his family said. He also enjoyed hanging out with his biker buddies, who called him "Loner." An avid fan of the Denver Broncos, Mr. Thompson also loved to watch wrestling.

For 22 years, he served on the board that conceived and eventually built the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum. He also served on the Southern Ute Indian Boxing Commission.

"Bennett collected friends and had an ability to associate with anybody," according to his family. "His legacy is his family, whom he loved."

Mr. Thompson was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, LaVara June Thompson; and son Mark Bennett Thompson.

He is survived by his children Luana Herrera, Rebecca Thompson, JoGenia Thompson, Franklin Thompson, Keith Thompson and Shawn Thompson, all of Ignacio, and LeAnn Thompson of White Rocks, Utah; siblings Evelyn Russell, Cecil Pinnecoose, Barney Pinnecoose and Sammy Pinnecoose, all of Ignacio; 17 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one niece.

A funeral will take place at 10 a.m. today, Oct. 3, 2014, at the Sky Ute Casino Event Center, 14324 Colorado Highway 172. The Rev. Kelly Winlock will officiate. Burial will take place afterward at Ignacio East Cemetery.