Dwight Johnston Thompson of Carmel, California, age 90, passed away peacefully and beautifully in November 2022 surrounded by his family and much love. 

Forever describing himself as a “farm kid,” Dwight was born on the Thompson family farm in Clarion County, Pennsylvania, in 1931 to Charles and Ethel Thompson, the ninth of ten children. From his parents, he acquired an extraordinary work ethic, a love of learning, and dedication to the service of others. 

Following World War II and his family’s relocation to San Bernardino, California, Dwight graduated high school and went on to study social sciences at San Jose State University, earning a BA, MA, and a teaching credential. 

Dwight served in the U.S. military in the 1950s in the Army Security Agency. In 1957, he began a long and happy career as a high school history, geography, and civics teacher at Monterey High School. Tenures at Seaside High School and Stuttgart American High School in Germany with the US Department of Defense Education (DoDEA) followed before he returned to Monterey High School where he taught until his retirement in 1994. Wherever he went, past students who always had a fond word for him were often heard joyfully calling out to him “Hi, Mr. T.!” He made a difference in the lives of countless students. 

Dwight was a talented architect, builder, and general contractor. He built and remodeled many homes in Kirkwood, California, and on the Monterey Peninsula. He built his own home in Carmel-by-the-Sea and a family cabin in Kirkwood.

Everyone who knew Dwight felt and appreciated his big heart, warm smile, giving nature, and keen observations. Dwight loved nothing more than a good conversation and an even better joke. He was charismatic, patriotic, open-minded, spiritual, and creative. He possessed incessant energy and believed that education was one of the noblest of all pursuits. One could often find Dwight tending to his place of joy—his garden. He also loved hunting, fishing, canoeing, writing poetry, playing and listening to music, helping people, telling stories, and building and fixing things. He loved to read and study the bible, and was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Monterey. He valued the many friendships that he made there. 

Dwight is survived by his beloved wife, three daughters and sons-in-law, six grandchildren,  his sister, and several generations of nieces and nephews. Dwight was preceded in death by his parents, his oldest sister, and seven brothers.

The Thompson family is most grateful for Dwight’s good and long life filled with love. We thank the staff at Madonna Gardens Memory Care Community for their devoted and gentle care. 

Dwight’s life will be celebrated at a Service of Witness to the Resurrection at First Presbyterian Church of Monterey. Please contact the family for details.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the First Presbyterian Church of Monterey, Santa Catalina School, the Alzheimer’s Association, or a charity of your choice

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