AUBURN – J. Peter Thompson, Esq., 85, of Auburn, died Dec. 17, 2024.

The only son of Victor and Gwendolyn Thompson, Peter was born in Houlton, June 26, 1939.

A graduate of Colby College and Boston University School of Law, Peter settled in Auburn to practice law. He soon became an iconic figure and bit of a local legend both in and out of the courts and law offices of Platz and Thompson. Peter remained a member of the bar throughout his lifetime.

At home on Lake Auburn, Peter was a hands-on master woodworker and craftsman. He was a Harbormaster at The Cape in earlier years and a skilled sailor and fisherman.

Peter collected loyal and eccentric friends effortlessly. He was an avid cribbage and pool player, a blues lover, a gifted storyteller, a master of comfort food cooking, a generous host, and a great friend.

Peter is survived by his loving daughter, Ilse Thompson; his grandson, Arlo Driggs; and two beloved stepchildren, Heather Oliphant, her husband, Peter Oliphant, and their children, Nora and Caton Oliphant of Seattle, Wash.; and Matthew Reading, his wife Laura Reading, and their child, Samuel Reading, of Peaks Island.

Peter is also survived by his winding stonewalls built over many years with rocks he “collected” from the lake, woods, and fields. These walls will remain a testament to the way Peter lived, devotedly shaping something beautiful and lasting out of the world around him, breathing life and soul into his wandering boulders.

It’s impossible to distill the adventures of his life into a few paragraphs. His uniqueness, creativity, eccentricity, irreverence, humor, and enormous spirit will be deeply missed.

We hope all his rowdy friends, all those who shared some of this life’s adventure with him, will join us for music and story-telling at his celebration of life, which is yet to be scheduled. Ilse will let everyone know.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared on Peter’s memorial page at http://www.albert-burpee.com Arrangements are under the care of Albert & Burpee Funeral Home & Cremation Services 253 Pine St. Lewiston, 782-7201.