Submitted by Port of Grays Harbor
Port of Grays Harbor District 2 Commissioner Jack Thompson has died as a result of a head injury he sustained after a fall on Sunday, September 30, while in Santiago, Chile. He had been hospitalized since shortly after the fall and succumbed to his injuries early Thursday morning. Commissioner Thompson and his wife, Trish, were in Santiago for the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) 107th Annual Convention in Valparaiso, Chile.
“The sudden and devastating passing of Commissioner Thompson is a tremendous loss that will be felt throughout the Port community and beyond. On behalf of our entire Port family, we extend our deepest condolences to Commissioner Thompson’s family during this difficult time. Jack’s leadership, wisdom and service to his community will be deeply missed and never forgotten. His legacy of economic development and job creation will live on throughout our community and the port industry,” shared Executive Director Gary Nelson. “We would also like to thank the staff of AAPA, the Port of Valparaiso, the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Department of Commerce for providing support and resources during this difficult time,” said Nelson.
Commissioner Thompson joined the Port Commission in 1994 and was proudly serving his 5th term representing District 2. Commissioner Thompson is the third longest serving Commissioner in the Port of Grays Harbor’s 107 year history.
A successful businessman in his own right, Commissioner Thompson was instrumental in the diversification and development of the Port over the past 25 years. His accomplishments include expanding the Port’s portfolio of cargoes to include dry bulk, liquid bulk, RORO, and OHOW in addition to the traditional wood-based commodities such as logs, lumber, pulp and paper that built the infrastructure that provides the platform for job creation at the Port today. Commissioner Thompson also led efforts to attract employment opportunities to the area through manufacturing and seafood processing and was a staunch supporter of longtime tenants that provided the foundation for the growth during his tenure on the Port Commission. An advocate for economic development, Commissioner Thompson worked with other leaders to ensure the assets of Satsop Business Park provided economic opportunities for the citizens of Grays Harbor.
The Port will begin developing procedures and a schedule for filling the vacant position in the coming weeks. Per state law, the two remaining Port Commissioners will appoint a new Commissioner from District 2 within 90 days of the vacancy.
Founded in 1911, the Port of Grays Harbor is one of Washington State’s oldest port districts and Washington’s only deep-water port located directly on the Pacific Ocean. The Port of Grays Harbor operates 4 deep-water marine terminals, the Westport Marina, Bowerman Airport, Grays Harbor ship assist services, numerous public waterfront access facilities, in addition to industrial and business parks throughout the County. Strategically located midway between Seattle and Portland and only 1 ½ hours from open sea, the Port of Grays Harbor provides businesses a diverse portfolio of facilities. More information on the Port of Grays Harbor’s facilities and operations is available at portofgraysharbor.com.
