11/01/2024
I’ve been putting off writing this because part of me isn’t ready to admit it is real—how can Wayne Thompson be gone? I was on my way to visit him when I got the news on Monday😞 It’s so hard to envision a Woodstock without Wayne; he was such an integral part of daily downtown life for decades—the unofficial mayor of Woodstock. A social butterfly of the utmost import—fluttering from one coffee date, social gathering, artistic endeavor or volunteer commitment to another. A True Bonvivant. And always dressed to impress. This gentle man was never without a kind word of encouragement or support. Whenever he’d greet you his face would light up with a delightful mixture of joy, mischief, and impish charm. A lover of frivolity, but with a deeply earnest devotion to his friends, loved ones, and community.
Service was guiding principle for Wayne—and as I sit here at a bar on All Saints Eve having a beer in honor of my old friend and reflecting on his life and his impact on mine and so many others, I am struck by how much we all came to count on Wayne in one way or another. The consistency of his presence in and of itself became a North Star for our little downtown community. It is no wonder his absence leaves such a void. It is no wonder we feel lost and unmoored in the absence of his light. The heart and soul of Woodstock is forever changed.
Wayne helped me so much over the years, and I wish I had told him more how much I appreciate him. Not just for his generosity in the way he showed up for folks, but also for the way he moved through the world. I fear I took him for granted in the way one can take the moon and stars for granted. I wish I’d been more present with him, and I hope he knows how much I care, even if I didn’t say it enough💔
Wayne lived many lives in AND outside of Woodstock—he went to school for art at RISD; he lived in New York City AND San Fran. He used to ride a motorcycle until he crashed it and was in a coma!😵 He has a rich family history dating back generations in this area. His great grandmother lived in Barnard and was an amazing woman—a suffragette and a go-getter who took a lover half her age! Wayne has told me some incredible stories over the years, and my other hope is someone somewhere with a better memory than myself has recorded or will record these stories💞🙏🏼 What a treasure we have lost😓
Wayne and I both struggled with mental health stuff; he always made a point to check in on me when I wasn’t doing well💞 It’s funny tho—whenever anyone asked Wayne how HE was doing, or how something went, he’d ALWAYS say the same thing—“Oh, Fiiine; Juuust Fiiiine!” with his signature grin and hand wave👋👴🏻
Well, old friend, cheers to you and your indomitable spirit; wherever you are, I hope you are doing fine; juuust fiiine. Keep the barstool next to you open—I’ll cheers you on the other side!🍻
