Floyd ‘Spike’ Burnett Thompson
The family of Floyd Thompson, or “Spike” as he was affectionately known by so many, is sad to share the news of his peaceful passing on Saturday September 23, 2023 at the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Beth Thompson of Torrington, Connecticut. Spike was born to Harry Thompson and Iva Freeman Thompson on June 15, 1928, on the family farm in Green Valley just outside Unionville, Pennsylvania. Spike (aka “PopPop”) is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Jean Karlsson Thompson, and their four married children ~ Karl (married to Shelley) of Pennington, New Jersey; Allan (married to Carol) of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Keith (married to Beth) and Lynda (married to Todd Weatherby) of Seattle, Washington, as well as nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Spike was a graduate of Unionville schools and president of his senior class. He was involved in many community organizations and traditions over the years, including the East Lynn Grange, Unionville Presbyterian Church, Newlin and East Marlboro Townships, and the Boy Scout’s Unionville Troop 22, ultimately receiving their highest volunteer award, their “Order of Merit”.
Another favorite volunteer role for Spike was as an active participant in the Unionville Community Fair spanning at least five decades. The 1980 Fair was dedicated to Spike, in honor and appreciation of his many acts of service and generosity to the Fair and the community.
A valued employee at Longwood Gardens from 1958 through his retirement in 1991, Spike welcomed and assisted countless visitors through Longwood’s beautiful conservatory and the grounds he helped care for over so many years.
In retirement, Spike enjoyed his favorite hobbies of all, taking care of his animals (mostly heifers) and volunteering endless hours at the Rough and Tumble Tractor Museum in Lancaster County with his buddies in the Waterloo Boys Tractor Club. Together with friends they met through Rough and Tumble, Spike and Jean enjoyed several trips to Iowa, including tours of his beloved John Deere factory in Waterloo, Iowa.
Always ready with a big smile and his unforgettable hearty laugh, and eager to assist anyone with any project, he loved hard work, great jokes, helping people, and “summertime eating” from his expansive garden. Spike/Dad/PopPop will be dearly missed by loved ones and friends near and far.
The family expresses immense thanks to Beth and Keith Thompson for the last five years of intensive personal care given to Spike/Dad/PopPop in their home, enabling him to stay in a loving family-filled home setting when he and Jean could no longer live independently. A funeral for the family will be arranged with memorial services to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed to any local Visiting Community Nurse (VCN) and/or Hospice care services.
