Wayne Merton Thompson, aged 83, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 28, 2024, at Mertens House in Woodstock, Vermont.

Wayne was predeceased by his parents, Rachel (Watt) and Merton E. Thompson, and two sisters, Elaine Thompson Rutherford and Jean Thompson Witchekowski. He is survived by his cousins, Ann Richardson of Hartland and Dean Jillson of Woodstock, his nephew Scott and his niece Dawn and their families, and many beloved friends who were like family.

A man who wore many hats, both literally and figuratively, Wayne had extraordinary talents and a passion for connecting with people wherever he went. Friends and strangers would recognize him as the well-dressed patron at the café or walking through town to get his mail or to meet with friends. He appreciated the simple joys of life and developed friendships wherever he went. His sharp eye for detail and passion for creativity marked every chapter of his life.

Wayne graduated from Woodstock Union High School in 1959 at the top of his class. He earned his bachelor's degree in 1963 from the Rhode Island School of Design, where he studied photography under Harry Callahan. After graduation, he built a celebrated career as a graphic designer in New York and Boston before returning to Woodstock following some health challenges.

Once back in his beloved hometown, Wayne continued to follow his passion for the arts. He worked as a freelance graphic designer and expanded his creative pursuits into photography, typography, book design, painting, and sculpture. He took great pleasure in making prints of his photography. In various media, his celebrated "cloud paintings" were known throughout New England. Wayne also created small sculptures with wood and wire. His work has been shown most recently at the Hopkins Center at Dartmouth and Artistree Community Arts Center in Pomfret, VT.

In addition to his design work, Wayne often worked as a substitute teacher at Woodstock Union High School during the 1990s. His former students kept in touch as adults and felt he made a positive impact as a gifted teacher and mentor. Wayne also enjoyed working as a caregiver for several local families over the years.

As a devoted public servant and volunteer, Wayne was a Justice of the Peace for many years and a familiar face working at elections and attending meetings of the Board of Civil Authority, counting votes. He enjoyed volunteering for Glad Rags and was an active and beloved member of North Chapel in Woodstock. For many years, Wayne found solace in the extensive gardens he planted along the Ottauquechee River behind his home at Mellishwood, and was always generous in sharing the fruits of his labor.

Wayne loved theater and was a gifted actor. He was very active in Woodstock's New Woolhouse Players, often playing whatever character role needed to be filled. He was a horse in
Equus, the train conductor in The Music Man, and played Windy, the boat pilot in Show Boat at the Chandler Music Hall. He played Gaston in Picasso at the Lapin Argile twice: first in the Little Theater for the New Woolhouse Players and, nearly 20 years later, in Artistree's Grange Theater. Wayne would often design programs and sometimes sets, as well. He observed the smallest detail of a set or a costume and regularly reminded actors that before they entered the stage, they had to be in character at least two steps before they were seen.

A graveside service was held on November 4, 2024, in the green section of the Hartland Village Cemetery. A celebration of Wayne's life will be held at North Chapel at 7 Church Street in Woodstock, Vermont on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 12:30pm. Details about a reception to follow the service will be forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Wayne's memory may be made to the Rhode Island School of Design ( www.risd.edu ) or the North Universalist Chapel Society of Woodstock ( northchapelvt@gmail.com ).

Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock is assisting the family with arrangements. An online guest book can be found at cabot.com.