November 09, 2009
Monday PM

I personally have a huge problem with the cousin in Calif being Irvin Thompson's closest relative . . . they even mention that Irvin was related to the Schlais family, which he was, yet they didn't contact any of the people by that name in Ketchkan, e.g., Evard, Faye, Alex. It might've been nice to bury him near his mother and father, if they had done a little research, as I know Aunt Margie was devestated when he was killed.

I also think it's a shame that the cousin asked to remain anonymous so that no one in the family can verify who he or she is or get into contact with him/her. There are numerous other Schlais relatives in Alaska, although not all of them have that last name, but starting with the few Schlais's left in Ketchikan would've been a good start.

I also do not believe that Irvin's father, Andy Thompson, died in 1942 - I can remember my grandmother, her sister Evelyn, and my mother visiting Aunt Margie & Uncle Andy in Oregon when I was a child, probably in the early 60's. I am not sure where they are buried or when they died but he did not die in 1942.

Margery DeMan Welker
Somerset, PA

About: "I am related to Irvin Thompson - his mother, Margaret Schlais Thompson (who we called Aunt Margie) was my grandmother's sister (Elizabeth Mary Schlais Bartline)"

Received November 06, 2009 - Published November 09, 2009

Related Article:

Irvin Thompson Reburied In California; Ketchikan War Hero's Remains Were Identified After Over 60 Years By DAVE KIFFER

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