2007 In Memoriam: Jeff Thompson

I met Jeff Thompson through BCIL where we were both advocates. He was a good guy learning how to fight for his rights, whether at college or regarding sidewalk access. We spoke sometimes on the phone about shared personal experiences, in a way that people with spinal cord injury often do. Just a few weeks before he died, he had sent me his thoughts about brick sidewalks (he hated them), which we were going to make up into a storyboard. When I get a picture, I will post it.

The following appreciation was written by Tony Horne.

I met Jeff at BCIL while working on access issues in our neighborhoods and the MBTA. Being the only males in our group we bonded quickly. He impressed me with his passion to the cause of access and his dedication to BCIL as a volunteer there. Persons of his drive are invaluable to the inclusion of all. Jeff and those like him make our community a better place.

Jeff and I had the same level injury and both attended UMass Boston, giving us plenty to talk about. I enjoyed chatting with him as he was a sincere humorous man, caring and interested in a variety of subjects. Jeff’s wry humor always came through and brightened our talks. Any topic might come from him - from his take on a school issue to the ways we adapted to frustrations of our personal situations. No matter the content, our conversations always were heartfelt.

Jeff always rose to the challenge, be it a tough academic course or managing the struggles of our daily existence. I felt his integrity and love for life. He had come far in his new world and was succeeding in school, making his loss all the more difficult for those of us who shared time with him.

Our connection is one that will always stay with me, and no doubt, will buoy me through rough waters at some point. Thank you my friend. I will miss you and the hope you gave many.