With profound sadness, we share the passing of Stephen Riley Thomson, 83, on April 15, 2026. His sudden passing leaves a void in the lives of all who loved him and in the community he served so faithfully.
Steve was born on December 28, 1942, in Eugene, Oregon, and passed away on April 15, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. He was the son of Riley and Mable Thomson and spent his childhood in Medford and later Portland, Oregon.
Steve graduated from Sunset High School, where he was active in football, basketball, and track. He went on to attend the University of Oregon, where he was a member of the Phi Psi fraternity and earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology. He remained a lifelong Ducks fan. He also earned a B.S. in General Sciences from Portland State University and a degree in Medical Technology from the University of Oregon Medical School.
Steve spent his entire career with Nestlé, beginning with Carnation Company before its acquisition. Over 36 years, he worked in management within the Pet Care Division, eventually holding a corporate position in Glendale, California.
After retiring, Steve and his wife Judy enjoyed extensive travel together, including tours and cruises. Their favorite destination was Kauai, where they shared many family vacations. Steve especially loved snorkeling and whale-watching there.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Judy; his children, Michael (partner Jaime Rodriguez), Shannon (husband Scott Felix), and Matt (wife Nina); his three granddaughters, Morgan Felix, Peyton Felix, and Brooke Felix; his sister, Mimi Abers; his sister-in-law, Linda Piersol; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Bandit.
Steve was deeply involved in his community, serving on several boards, including his church. He was respected as a thoughtful and steady leader. He was also known for being incredibly capable—someone who could fix just about anything. While raising his children, he coached many of their sports teams and was a constant presence in their lives. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a true family man.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 23, at 11:00 a.m. at Simi Valley United Methodist Church, 2394 Erringer Road, Simi Valley, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Simi Valley United Methodist Church at simivalleyumc.org
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who loved him.
Jim Kotchik
Stephen Riley Thomson Obituary
With profound sadness, we share the passing of Stephen Riley Thomson, 83, on April 15, 2026. His sudden passing leaves a void in the lives of all who loved him and in the community he served so faithfully.
Steve was born on December 28, 1942, in Eugene, Oregon, and passed away on April 15, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. He was the son of Riley and Mable Thomson and spent his childhood in Medford and later Portland, Oregon.
Steve graduated from Sunset High School, where he was active in football, basketball, and track. He went on to attend the University of Oregon, where he was a member of the Phi Psi fraternity and earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology. He remained a lifelong Ducks fan. He also earned a B.S. in General Sciences from Portland State University and a degree in Medical Technology from the University of Oregon Medical School.
Steve spent his entire career with Nestlé, beginning with Carnation Company before its acquisition. Over 36 years, he worked in management within the Pet Care Division, eventually holding a corporate position in Glendale, California.
After retiring, Steve and his wife Judy enjoyed extensive travel together, including tours and cruises. Their favorite destination was Kauai, where they shared many family vacations. Steve especially loved snorkeling and whale-watching there.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Judy; his children, Michael (partner Jaime Rodriguez), Shannon (husband Scott Felix), and Matt (wife Nina); his three granddaughters, Morgan Felix, Peyton Felix, and Brooke Felix; his sister, Mimi Abers; his sister-in-law, Linda Piersol; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Bandit.
Steve was deeply involved in his community, serving on several boards, including his church. He was respected as a thoughtful and steady leader. He was also known for being incredibly capable—someone who could fix just about anything. While raising his children, he coached many of their sports teams and was a constant presence in their lives. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a true family man.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 23, at 11:00 a.m. at Simi Valley United Methodist Church, 2394 Erringer Road, Simi Valley, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Simi Valley United Methodist Church at simivalleyumc.org
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who loved him.