Thompson remembered for compassionate service

Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2002 | 11:25 a.m.

Las Vegas Sun Associate Editor Sandra "Sandy" Thompson was remembered this morning as a dedicated mother and wife, a compassionate family advocate and a journalist whose work helped change state law regarding children.

More than 400 people crowded into the chapel at Palm Mortuary on Eastern Avenue this morning to pay their respects to Thompson, who was also a vice president of the Sun.

The chapel pews were filled with friends and colleagues, lawmakers and community leaders.

All were still reeling from the shock of Thompson's sudden death Friday when her car was hit from behind on Interstate 215 at Far Hills Avenue. She was 53.

Brian Greenspun, president and editor of the Sun, gave the eulogy, speaking of Thompson's love for her husband, Gary, and daughter, Kelly, as well as her work in the community.

"If ever there was a human being who lived for the benefit of other people it was Sandy Thompson," Greenspun said.

If there is a lesson to be learned in this, her husband, Gary, told mourners at her funeral: Don't wait to tell someone you love them.

"You never know when that next chance will be gone," he said. "She was the light of my life."

Thompson recalled his wife as a devoted mother, dedicated journalist and a friend to anyone in need.

The Rev. Mary Bredlau, who officiated the service, said the Thompson house was always covered in Post-It notes marking another project or person Sandy was helping.

Bredlau urged mourners to celebrate Thompson's life rather than dwell on the tragic circumstances of her death.

In her grief, Thompson's daughter, Kelly, offered her own mother's words as comfort to the mourners. Reading from a letter Sandy wrote to Gary when they renewed their marriage vows, Kelly said, "If my mother was here, I think she would say these same things to all of you:

"I thank you for making me a part of your life, heart and soul."

A tireless advocate for children, Thompson's award-winning reporting and columns brought about reforms in the Family Court system, including changes to the state's guardianship laws. She was remembered as the tenacious and compassionate woman who made helping others a lifelong priority.

Thompson's 1997 coverage of how a Las Vegas family lost guardianship of their daughter to her boyfriend's parents earned her the Nevada Press Association's Story of the Year award, as well as the prize for Best News Feature Writing. The story also swayed the judge in the case to reverse his decision, and spurred changes to Nevada's statutes on guardianship notification.

"To be sure, Sandy had a lot more work to do before this state got its act together completely and that is one of the real tragedies of her death," Greenspun said. "Like every aspect of her professional and personal career, Sandy Thompson threw all she had -- her love, her knowledge, her perseverance, her compassion and all of her emotion into the work at hand.

"That's why things happened. And that is what this community will miss above all else."

A photo collage met mourners as they signed the condolence book. It showed Thompson as a young bride, her eyes bright with joy as she danced with her new husband, Gary.

Later pictures were of a pregnant Sandy, at a baby shower and cradling newborn daughter, Kelly, and laughing with her husband as her daughter grew through the years.

Centered in the photos was a handwritten message, "Sandra Lee Thompson 1948-Forever."

Civic and community leaders as well as friends and family packed the chapel, noting Thompson's legacy.

"We have lost the conscience of the children of Clark County," Clark County School Superintendent Carlos Garcia said. "We need more like Sandy Thompson, not fewer. She was a role model for all of us."

A somber Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., made his way into the chapel, simply noting, "she was my friend."

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman spoke of his "respect and affection for Sandy."

"The work she did was tremendous," Goodman said. "Gary was lucky to have her as long as he did, we all were."

Her columns were often a forum for individuals and families struggling through the court system. Just as often, Thompson was a voice for those who otherwise would have no one to speak for them.

"She was not only continuing the legacy of (Sun founder) Hank Greenspun to make this newspaper a place where good things happened for the people in our community, who needed good things but needed a strong voice to make them happen, but she was creating a legacy of her own," Greenspun said.

He added that Thompson, "was what I have always believed good journalism is all about. Using the power of the press, the strength of the written word, and the boundless energy of a crusader to right the wrongs in society and bring justice to those who need it but can't get it on their own."

Thom Reilly, Clark County manager, said Thompson was essential in the fight to provide attorneys to children involved in abuse, neglect and domestic violence cases.

"Of any columnist she stood alone as the one who was the voice of children, putting it in the news and in front of the community," Reilly said.

A native of Hanover, Pa., Thompson graduated from Penn State University in 1970. She spent several years reporting for newspapers in western Pennsylvania; at the Danbury, Conn., News-Times; and as a feature writer in New York.

Thompson settled in Las Vegas in 1978 and joined the Sun as a copy editor. After a stint as features editor, Thompson was managing editor for 11 years.

She also volunteered with numerous organizations, including the Sun Camp Fund, Christmas in April, Raising Nevada and the Children's Advocacy Alliance.

Thompson is survived by her husband, Gary, and daughter, Kelly, both of Las Vegas; sisters, Lorena Gregory of Phoenix and Rachel McDannell of Hanover; and brothers, Chris Bazonis of South Carolina and Tom Bazonis of Las Vegas.

Donations may be made to the Sun Camp Fund, 2275 Corporate Circle Drive, Suite 300, Henderson, NV 89074, or the Children's Advocacy Alliance, through the Nevada Community Foundation, 1850 E. Sahara Ave., Suite 207, Las Vegas, NV 89104.