RICHFIELD SPRINGS-Lyle M. Thompson age 75 of County Highway # 22 entered into eternal rest on Saturday morning June 26, 2004 in Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown. He was born on December 26, 1928 in St. Johnsville, son of the late Lyle M. and Bernice LaLonde Thompson. Lyle was raised and educated in St Johnsville until his senior year of high school, which he completed in Reno, Nevada. On May 28, 1971 he married Joan Lennebacker in the Federated Church in West Winfield. They have resided in Richfield Springs since that time. For eleven years he had worked for the Richfield Springs Central School District until 1976. From 1976 he owned and operated Haskells Inn in Cold Brook until his retirement in August of 1987. Lyle was known and respected for his love and commitment to family and friends. He was an avid and knowledgeable sportsman. Hunting and fishing were a part of his life and he passed his knowledge on to his children and grandchildren. In his retirement he was also able to enjoy his green thumb with gardening and cooking. He was capable of producing a feast that no one could refuse. There are no words to express the passion Lyle had in so many areas of his life. Lyle taught and gave respect where deserved, asked for no more and accepted no less. There will be a lost and empty space in our hearts without him but our love and memories can never be taken. Lyle and Joan loved Canadrago Lake with the peace and solitude it brought to them. He was always willing and proud to share what he called his own little paradise. He will be truly missed. Surviving beside his loving wife of thirty-three years Joan are one son, Brett and his wife Barbara Thompson of Boise, ID, three daughters and their husbands, Kim and Gene Butler, Kelly and Maynard Brown II all of East Herkimer, Nell and Michael Sweeney of Millers Mills, one sister, Regina Miedema of Reno, NV, a daughter-in-law, Diane Thompson of the Town of Ohio, nine grandchildren, Colleen and Amy Thompson, Matthew Thompson, Jennifer, Ericka and Maynard Brown III, Jason, Keri, and Christopher Butler, one great grandson, Jason Butler, his mother-in-law Pearle Lennebacker, two sister-in-laws, Alice Jean Thompson and, Patricia Newell, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Vernon Thompson and a son Mark Thompson in 2002. It was Mr. Thompsons wish that all services be private and at the convenience of his family. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Richfield Springs Emergency Rescue Squad. Funeral arrangements are with J, Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs