Burnett C. “Speed” Thompson

Age 90, of Castile, passed away peacefully at his home on July 2, 2014.

He was born September 30, 1923 in Perry, NY, son of the late Clair and Maude Knox Thompson. Speed was a proud veteran of the US Navy having served in both the Pacific and European theaters of action during World War II. Following his service to his country, Speed worked on the construction of the Mt. Morris Dam in Letchworth State Park. He also owned and operated the Main Grill in Perry for several years. He was employed for 33 years as a park police officer for the New York State Park Police in Letchworth State Park prior to his retirement in 1988. Speed was also a part of the New York State response team during the Attica prison riot in 1971.

He was a member of the Wallace-Jeffers Post American Legion in Castile and was an avid New York Yankees fan. Spending time with his family was his greatest joy in life.

Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Irene Rynkowski Thompson whom he married on August 15, 1953; his daughters, Terry (Alan) Guilford of LeRoy and Tammy (Ray ?Beaver?) Coveny of Castile; his grandchildren, Shawn (Cortney Rowley) Coveny of Hunt and Shannon (Chris Loomis) Coveny of Castile; his sister, Joyce (the late Raybert) Brown of Perry; several brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces and nephews.

There are no calling hours. A memorial service with military honors will be held Sunday, July 13 at 2 PM at the Harmon-Watson Funeral Home, 35 N. Main St., Castile. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Campaign for the Letchworth State Park Nature Center at http://www.letchworthnaturecenter.org.

Important Dates
July 5, 2014 : Memorial service for Burnett C. “Speed” Thompson - 2:30 PM