Lewiston – Ronald W. Thompson, 96, of Lisbon Falls, died on Friday, June 6, at Montello Manor in Lewiston following a brief illness.

He was born on Jan. 16, 1912 in Durham, the son of Maurice O. Thompson and Elsa K. Thompson, the third of six children. His education was broken up between Durham and towns in Massachusetts. At age 13, he remained in Lisbon Falls to finish grammar school and high school, where he participated in many sports, especially baseball and track, winning the state championship in high school shot put in his senior year. He graduated from Lisbon Falls High School on June 12, 1930.

On April 6, 1940, he married Glenys L. Jones of Lisbon Falls. Together they raised two children, Carole and Wayne. Ron worked at the Worumbo Mill for over 40 years as a master mechanic and master weaver. This was especially important during World War II, when he was ordered to continue working at Worumbo because of military contracts. Through the 1950s and early 1960s he was busy providing for his family.

In 1960, golf became his passion. He joined the Brunswick Golf Club and spent many hours on the course with friends and family. He was a charter member of Apple Valley Golf Club maintaining a membership for over 30 years, winning many trophies, and loving the competition.

After many years of thinking about and wishing to join the masonic bodies, he finally requested an application from his son, newly installed Master of Ancient York Lodge No. 155 A.F. and A.M. of Lisbon Falls. He was made an entered apprentice on March 13, 1978, a fellow craft on April 10, 1978 and a master mason on May 8, 1978. He chose not to become a line officer and work his way through the various chairs, but rather developed a profound interest in the masonic ritual and history. He did serve as treasurer of the lodge and Masonic Social Club for about 10 years, as proxy to Grand Lodge from 1990 to 2000, as chairman for the scholarship fund for seven years, as Chairman for the Chicken BBQ with K.C.’s, the pancake breakfast and the hunters breakfast committees for 18 years.

While keeping busy with all of the activities, his focus was on teaching the Masonic ritual to new candidates numbering about 30. As a result, the fourteenth masonic district presented him the Mason of the Year Award in 1985. In later years, the Grand Lodge of Maine presented him with a masonic education supporter certificate each year from 1993 to 1999, a lodge instructor of ritual acknowledgement, and a certificate of merit in 1995.

He received his twenty five (25) year membership pin in Ancient York Lodge on March 9, 2004, presented by his son. Because of declining health, this was his last visit to Ancient York Lodge.

As a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies, including the Lodge of Perfection, Prince of Jerusalem and Rose Croix in the Lewiston-Auburn Valley, and the Consistory of Portland, he served as an ambassador to Ancient York Lodge for the Scottish Rites for years and received a certificate of appreciation. Additionally on June 6, 2003, he was presented a meritorious service award.

He did become a member of the York Rites Bodies including the council, chapter, and commandery. In these bodies he did serve as an officer for a short time, and enjoyed the rich history of masonic ritual of these bodies.

On June 9, 1979, he joined the Kora Temple Shrine in Lewiston and there served several years as an ambassador, later becoming very active with the greeters unit during the 1980’s and 1990’s. During these years he worked to promote the Shrine to other candidates and was recognized for his efforts several times, sponsoring over 40 new members. One of his passions was to support the Shrine Hospital for Children, working to raise funds for the hospital and assisting families who needed help. As a Greeter, he promoted and worked many years for the Shrine Circus. It was always the children.

In his spare time he was a member of the MerrymeetingShrine Club, Androscoggin County Shrine Club and Androscoggin Valley Square and Compass Club.

In later years, he played cards daily with faithful friends, frequently seen at the local MacDonald’s Restaurant. The competition was a part of the motivation, and it reminded him of the cribbage and bridge tournaments many decades earlier in the 1930’s.

Other local social groups in which he was a member included the Senior Citizen Club and a life member of the Lower Slovak Club. He enjoyed supporting activities with the United Methodist Church and the Pioneer Chapter, OES.

He was predeceased by his wife, Glenys, in 1984, three brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his two children, Carole Thompson and her husband, Ronald D., of Yarmouth and Wayne Thompson and his wife, Barbara J., of Lisbon; by his only grandchild, Dawn Forest, and by great-grandson, Christopher, both of Freeport. Other extended family, nieces, and nephews reside in Maine, California, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina.