Thomas Thompson, former Minneapolis city coordinator, dies at 94

Thomas Thompson's mark can be felt all around downtown Minneapolis, from the Nicollet Mall to the interconnected skyway system.

As Minneapolis' first city coordinator appointed by the City Council, Thompson served as the "city's own master builder," promoting the creation of many of the landmarks that define the City of Lakes. The role earned Thompson widespread admiration but also exposed him to public flak.

Thompson died Jan. 2 at age 94.

"He truly loved and was dedicated to the city of Minneapolis and its positive and forward movement not just in downtown but throughout the neighborhoods," said Bob Viking, who used to work with Thompson at the city.

Thomas A. Thompson, known simply as "Tommy" to most, was born Feb. 1, 1925. He was raised in Lakefield, Minn., a small farming community about two hours southwest of the Twin Cities. His father was a prominent businessman and civic leader, and growing up, Thompson worked at his dad's clothing store. As a child, Thompson enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. In high school, he participated in band and football. Thompson met his future wife of 70 years, LaVonne, when her family moved in across the street.

At 17, Thompson joined the Navy. He served as a repair officer in the Philippines on the USS Proserpine during WWII. After the war, Thompson married LaVonne, and they settled in Minneapolis, where they would raise four children.

Thompson graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1948 as a civil engineer. The next year, he joined the city's water department as a junior engineer. He would go on to become an assistant traffic engineer and city engineer before he was chosen as city coordinator in 1967.

Thompson's supporters gave him credit for helping to spearhead the development of Nicollet Mall, Orchestra Hall, Peavey Plaza, City Center and many other projects.

But as chief planner, Thompson often bore the brunt of criticism for unpopular spending ideas. By the time Thompson announced his resignation in 1976 (he stayed on the job for more than a year until his replacement took over), he was the city's highest paid and "most powerful" city official, according to the Minneapolis Tribune.

"There's never a time when cities shouldn't be building," he was quoted as saying.

After years of public service, Thompson became the senior vice president of Cowles Media, the former parent company of the Star Tribune, and managed real estate development, government relations and affiliate divisions. He retired in 1983 due to heart problems. Thompson remained involved in many groups including Rotary International.

"He was very talkative, always sharing stories; he had lots of stories to tell," said son-in-law Kelley Gourley. "But everything [was focused on] what needs to be done and let's get it done. Build, build, build."