Andrew Page Thompson's Obituary
Our dear Brother, Uncle and friend passed away Friday, February 27, 2026, in Provo Utah due to complications of Parkinsons and Kidney Disease. He was surrounded by his sister Cathy, friends Elizabeth and Alfonso. We were honored to be with him as he left this world.
Andrew was born in Royal Oak Michigan on December 18th, 1962. He joined his older siblings, Joel and Holly and parents David and Lynette Thompson in a 2 bedroom house in Madison Heights, Michigan.
The family later added two more daughters and then relocated to the Village of Rochester in late 1967 to be closer to family.
Andrew loved Rochester and fully embraced its small-town charm and the beautiful surrounding countryside. He explored and discovered it all with siblings in tow. He always loved Rochester and its surrounding communities and would draw the homes and neighborhoods throughout his life. His favorite was Stoney Creek Village, and we have many of his drawings of this area.
As a Rochester High School graduate, he felt the pull of BYU and left Rochester at 18 to go to Provo. He was accepted to and attended BYU briefly to study journalism. He could be found on the BYU grounds crew and enjoyed being outside working.
Despite only attending BYU for a brief time he made Provo, Utah his permanent home. He did many things including managing apartments, working for the Utah County Journal, and eventually owning his own business, Coolbear Bench Company. He designed and painted bus benches for Provo and other various communities in Utah county and did advertising and signs for local businesses. He always took pride in the quality of his work.
He also enjoyed woodworking and building furniture for family members. We never knew what we were going to get but we always appreciated and enjoyed whatever he produced.
Andrew was always generous with his resources and helped others whenever he could. He helped his siblings with groceries or gas money if they were in need. Even though he never had a lot himself he always gave and never expected anything in return.
When Andrew was diagnosed with Parkinsons he had already lost some of his mobility. This introduced him to the world of the disabled in a way he had not experienced before, and he was angry at what he found. He spent the rest of his years advocating and fighting for the rights of the disabled and disenfranchised in Provo and surrounding areas.
He carried a snow shovel after snowfalls to clear walkways, especially those of businesses who did not comply with the American with Disabilities Act. He made a name for himself and was willing to stand up to those who were not obeying this law.
To help this cause he ran for Provo mayor in 2005 and 2009. He withdrew but brought attention to important causes by running He was working with Provo City officials at the time of his death to improve accessibility to government buildings. We are immensely proud of the work he has done and while his impact is not obvious to others, he has improved conditions for the disabled in their ability to travel around the Provo.
Andrew has two nephews who he absolutely adored. Alejandro Celaya and David Fairchild. He loved to talk to them and give them “Uncle” advice. Alejandro was lucky enough to grow up in Utah county and so was able to have his Uncle Andy in his life. David was not close physically, but they too had their special relationship. He loved to find books for them he thought they should read and learn from.
Andrew was intelligent, passionate and talented, and most importantly, unique. He fought until the very end though his suffering was great. Even his doctors were shocked and awed at his ability to come back from life threatening illness again and again.
Now he is at peace and no longer in pain. We are all better for having had him in our lives.
Andrew is preceded in death by his parents, David and Lynette Thompson, and brother Joel Thompson and sister Holly Kage.
He is survived by Dana Thompson, Catherine Celaya (Alfonso Celaya and Clark Swenson), Laurel Thompson. Survived by brother Jon Thompson (est).
Andrew was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was also a hardcore BYU fan till the end. He enjoyed living among married students across from campus and enjoyed their youth, but more importantly their dogs. He carried Milk Bone Dog Biscuits on his wheelchair for the neighborhood pups and loved greeting them and their owners.
The family would like to thank the following people who helped Andrew throughout his journey of life. First, his honorary brother, Bryan Thompson, and family. He is a dear friend and helped Andrew with the complications of living with Parkinsons and Dialysis. We are grateful for his love and the time that he gave to Andrew and his care.
We would also Like to thank Dr Nicole Clark at the Merrill Gappmayer Clinic in Provo Utah. Andrew was her patient for 25 years and we believe she was the catalyst for him living as long as he did. She obviously cared for him and her compassion was paramount. He could never say enough praises about her.
To all those who gave Andrew your time, love, attention, and listened to him, thank you. He had a tough life but knowing he could help others in some way and teach something made his life worthwhile.
Andy, wish you were here. Till we meet again.
Service:
Pleasant View 3rd Ward Building
650 East Stadium Ave. Provo, UT
Thursday March 26th 7 pm
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