David was born at Cape Cod Hospital to Edytha Bearse (Benttinen) and Richard Scott Thompson. He was a born adventurer and lover of Wequaqet Lake, where he fished, swam, skated, and ice-fished. Dave graduated from Barnstable High School in 1968, where he played on the football team. He joined the Coast Guard following high school. Dave was a lifelong sailor and fifth-generation captain. He spent many years skippering our Dad’s ferries, the Cape Islander, the Manisee, and the Schamonchi. Martha’s Vineyard was a beloved haven for Dave. He enjoyed his involvement with the Ernestina Morrisey and its restoration. Dave’s last skippering job was on the Belle Aventure, out of Camden, Maine.
David leaves behind his wife, Louann Thompson of Aiken, S.C.; his daughter, Gracie Mullen Thompson of Mattapoisett; stepchildren Jason, Jon, and Catherine Brassard; as well as siblings Rick Thompson and his wife Maleerat, Carol Hess and her husband John, Susan Thompson, Linda Thompson, Brian Thompson and his wife Betsey, and Janet Leblanc and her husband Jim. Dave will be missed by his nieces, Tiare and Chelsea Hess, and nephews Nathan Hess, Zac Thompson, and Chris Davidson; as well as many fellow adventurers on many distant shores. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Admiral John W. Thompson and his wife Marguerite Ritchie, and Henry and Grace Chandler Bearse of Centerville.
David’s wishes are to have his ashes scattered on the outgoing tide in Menemsha. A celebration of his life will follow. Sail on, Sailor.
