-Harold William Thompson-

- Saginaw, Michigan - Harold William Thompson passed away peacefully on Sunday December 6,2009 at Covenant Hospital's Harrison campus following a lengthy illness. "Little Harold" was born on December 18,1924 in Saginaw to Harold E. Thompson and Dora Mae (Collison) . He was only twelve days shy of his 85th birthday. Harold grew up on Saginaw's east side, except for a short residence on the west side of the river where he visited the old Butman-Fish Library as a youngster and saw a local archaeological collection which was on display. Harold was interested in raising Beagles, hunting and fishing, gardening and horticulture. Harold entered the US Army in March of 1943 and served until April of 1946. He served in the European Theater during WWII and seen action in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany while with the 99th Infantry Battalion (Separate) of the 474th Infantry Regiment. Afterwards he was sent to Norway. It was there he met Aase Marie Anderson, a member of the Norwegian Underground and with the help of the Red Cross was able to bring his future wife to the States. They were married in Saginaw, Michigan on March 29,1947. Before leaving Norway his battalion was honored by the Norwegian government with a ceremony and letter of appreciation for the Liberation of Norway The letter was signed by the King of Norway and the ceremony hosted by the Crown Prince. Later in life he renewed his interest in archaeology and local history. He served many terms as Treasurer of the Michigan Archaeological Society and was a member of its Saginaw Valley Chapter since the 1960's. As an avocational archaeologist he volunteered on many local "digs" conducted by universities and volunteered his time to do archaeological surveys in Michigan's Thumb, depositing the information with the Michigan Department of State's History Division. He was the author of many archaeological reports and acquired an extensive research library. In 1997 Harold received The Citizen's Preservation Award from the Michigan Historical Preservation Network. This award was given in recognition for lifetime achievement in documenting and protecting the archaeological heritage of Tuscola County. That same year he was awarded the Hon. Ira W. Butterfield Award of the Conference on Michigan Archaeology which recognized his contributions to Michigan as an avocational archaeologist. At that time he was interviewed by the Saginaw News. After his wife Aase suffered a stroke in 1982, he retired from Malleable Iron Foundry where he had been employed for over 30 years, to became her primary care giver until her death on August 11,1993. He was also predeceased by his brother Allen Henry "Bill" Thompson. He is survived by his daughter Anna Mae Maday and son-in-law James Maday. He is also survived by nephews and nieces Cindy, Scott, Chris, Holly and Trent. Also mourning his loss will be his special friend Marion Johengen and her family from Tuscola County, as well as the many friends he made throughout the Thumb and the archaeological community. Visitation will be at the Case Funeral Chapel, 5700 Dixie Highway, in Bridgeport, from 1:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 11, 2009, where a prayer service will take place at 7:00 p.m. Friday. A private committal for immediate family will take place later in St. Andrew Cemetery. Rev. Fr. Frank Voris, O.F.M., Cap., will officiate. Military honors will be under the auspices of the Carrollton VFW Post #1859. In lieu of flowers please consider a gift of blood to your local blood drive, or a gift to the Red Cross, Salvation Army or a charity of your choice. www.casefuneralhome.com