1928 – July 17, 2021
Born in 1928 to Ruby and Ralph J. Thompson Sr. ’22 at White Memorial Hospital, Ralph J. Thompson Jr. ’51 died July 17, 2021.
After completing his undergraduate courses at La Sierra College, Dr. Thompson began medical school at the College of Medical Evangelists (CME). However, after a year and a half at CME, his education was interrupted when he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska, where he and his wife, Carolyn, lived while he fulfilled his military obligation.
When they returned to Southern California, Dr. Thompson completed his surgical training at Los Angeles County Hospital. In 1960, he went to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Medical Center in New York City for a fellowship in cancer surgery, and in 1961, he joined the CME faculty in the surgery department, first in Los Angeles, and then permanently at the Loma Linda campus when the School of Medicine consolidated to one location in 1964. He served on the surgical faculty until his retirement in 1994, a pillar of the department.
Dr. Thompson was twice recognized by the Alumni Association for outstanding contributions throughout his career: in 1991, as Honored Alumnus, and in 2005, as Alumnus of the Year. He was respected and beloved by his students and colleagues, and even in retirement he and Carolyn committed their time and resources to Loma Linda University. In 1994, they created the Ralph and Carolyn Thompson Charitable Foundation to provide ongoing financial support to Loma Linda University Medical Center. Dr. and Mrs. Thompson also supported the creation of the Center for Christian Bioethics and were heavily involved with the Loma Linda Broadcasting Network. A powerful force on the Loma Linda University campus, Dr. Thompson will be fondly remembered and dearly missed.
Dr. Thompson was predeceased by his wife, Carolyn, and is survived by his three children; Jeffrey S. Thompson ’81, Jon B. Thompson ’91, and Cheryl Thompson.