Childhood
Laurie Jean Thompson was born July 10, 1957 to Carol and Chuck Thompson. The youngest of four, Laurie was an athlete from the beginning. Tennis, swimming, cheerleading, gymnastics, she did it all. Gymnastics became a long time love and career for Laurie.
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 When Laurie was 7, her family went on a trip to Europe via an old Volkswagen bus. Inside the bus was a tiny closet, which had a seat and a window which Laurie loved. In Germany, they stopped at a gas station where they all got out to stretch. Assuming Laurie was in the closet, they left. 30 miles later her called her to come out and have a dessert, and she wasn’t there. Panic! we turned around where we found Laurie with three gas station guys eating ice cream and having a wonderful time. |  When she was young, her brother Grant tricked her into thinking that caviar was a special jam. She never forgave him for that trick! She never did like caviar after that. |
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 Laurie was the baby of the family, with 2 older brothers and an older sister. She remained in close contact with her brother Bruce and her sister Peggy/ Solina. |  When Laurie started high school, she was terrified. She made her mom promise to not tell her sister Peggy (Solina) about her fears. |
 Laurie's parents ran a popular tennis and swim club in Palo Alto. By the age of three, Laurie could already swim the length of the pool. |  Laurie was a talented gymnast, competing in the National Jr. Olympics, where she placed within the top 3. |
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Hawaii
Laurie and Michael met in 1974 in Mexico. Michael, the bus driver, said that it was love at first sight when he saw Laurie doing backhandsprings to entertain children.
It was the 70s, and the two ran off to Hawaii to start a life together. Since Laurie was only 17, her parents had to sign off on the marriage. It was down to the wire when that document was signed.
Married at sunrise on the beach of Hawaii, their marriage rings were strands of their hair intertwined in resin. A friend baked their cake. And through sickness and lean financial days, their marriage lasted until Michael's passing in 2018.
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 Oct 18, Doc 7 |  Oct 18, Doc 5 |  Oct 18, Doc 2 |
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 Oct 18, Doc 8 |  Oct 18, Doc 6 |  Oct 21, Doc 24 |