On May 11 in New London, New Hampshire, Herman Eastman Thompson died peacefully, with so many keeping him in their prayers. Herman was born June 5, 1937, in Newport, New Hampshire, to Harry C. and Arline S. Thompson. His brother was Lewis H. Thompson.

After high school, he worked as a chef at the Old Brick Hearth, Howard Johnson’s in Massachusetts, and the Pleasant Lake Inn. In 1960 he married Judith Sieburg and was blessed with four children: Lenore, Jeff, Gwen, and Heather. Unfortunately, the marriage ended, but Herman found and married the love of his life Sally Cote also from Newport, in 1967.

Eventually, Herman and Sally settled in Old Saybrook and, in the last decade of their lives, in New London, New Hampshire. In the ’80s, Herman changed careers, becoming a real estate agent. Later establishing Bannor Realty. Sally was a much-loved and respected elementary school teacher for 26 years.

They had a passion for travel, often with Sally’s mother and her sister Betty and husband Gerry Durand and several close friends. In Barbados, a favorite destination, Herman took up scuba diving. His love for skiing took him to many mountains, including the Alps, but Mt. Sunapee always drew him in. He was proud of attaining his over 80 “free” ski pass.

Photography, his workshop, family, and a lovely, too many to name, core group of friends kept Herman and Sally busy with endless adventures. Being a chef, they always enjoyed delicious meals, whether eating out or creating feasts at home. His sense of humor, storytelling, infectious laugh, and the ability to tackle just about anything made him a pleasure to be around. Even in his last years at Woodlawn Care Center in Newport, he maintained his charm and infectious ways, despite losing Sally in March of 2023 and compromised in speech. Herman deeply touched the hearts of everyone he came in contact with.

He will be remembered in love and missed by so many, including four children, eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, two nieces, and two grand-nieces.