UNOFFICIAL COPY 22 RS BR 2437
Page 1 of 2
XXXX Jacketed
A RESOLUTION adjourning the Senate in honor and loving memory of Stephen 1
Francis Thompson. 2
WHEREAS, Stephen Thompson was born on October 14, 1943, as the youngest of 3
four children to David and Frances Thompson. He was raised in Pasadena, California, as 4
a Catholic and attended Cal Poly San Louis Obispo, where he earned a Bachelor's degree 5
in food science. In 1986 he earned a Master's degree in Business from the University of 6
Hartford; and 7
WHEREAS, Stephen Thompson was a member of the Board of Cal Poly and a 8
member of the Cal Poly Alumni Association. During the 1960s, he was an amp technician 9
for The Guess Who, and was inspiration for their song "Star Baby"; and 10
WHEREAS, Stephen Thompson married Vicki Thompson and together they raised 11
their four children, Sheri, Katy, Stephen, and Paul. The family moved dozens of times 12
across the country while Stephen pursued professional opportunities. One of the favorite 13
family past times included sailing the harbors of Southern California; and 14
WHEREAS, Stephen Thompson started his professional career working for Hunt's, 15
Libbys, and Heublein. While working for Heublein Inc., he manufactured such brands as 16
Jose Cuervo and Smirnoff Vodka; and it was through this industry that Stephen 17
Thompson transitioned to working in the world of bourbon; and 18
WHEREAS, Stephen Thompson retired as Vice President of Manufacturing with 19
Brown-Forman in Louisville to become the founder of Hawaiian Island Spirits Inc. He 20
later opened his "crown jewel," the Kentucky Artisan Distillery. Stephen Thompson held 21
interests in other companies as the co-president of Jagger's Manufacturing, the owner of 22
Anchorage Marine, and the owner and president of Royal Flush Industries; and 23
WHEREAS, Stephen Thompson died on September 6, 2021, and is preceded in 24
death by his parents, David and Frances Thompson; and his canine companions, J.D., 25
Sadie, and Charles. He is survived by his cherished wife Linda Buccola Thompson who 26
had been his childhood sweetheart; former wife, Vicki Freid Thompson; children, Sheri 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 22 RS BR 2437
Page 2 of 2
XXXX Jacketed
(Todd) Tabor, Katy (Scott) Andrews, Stephen (Tiffany) Thompson, and Paul (Lacey 1
Soriero) Thompson; grandchildren, Caroline Tabor, Sam Tabor, Mary Tabor, Jack 2
Andrews, Mallory Thompson, Morgan Thompson, and Max Thompson-Soriero; siblings, 3
Sheila Kraemer, Nancy Cramer, and David Thompson; faithful sidekick, Red; and a host 4
of other family members, friends, and loved ones; 5
NOW, THEREFORE, 6
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 7
Kentucky: 8
Section 1. The Senate hereby extends its most profound sympathy upon the 9
passing of Stephen Francis Thompson and expresses heartfelt condolences to his family 10
in this time of loss. 11
Section 2. When the Senate adjourns this day, it does so in honor and loving 12
memory of Stephen Francis Thompson. 13
Section 3. The Clerk of the Senate is hereby directed to transmit a copy of this 14
Resolution to Senator Julie Raque Adams for delivery to the family. 15