the Obituary of Michael David Thomson Jr.

It is with great sorrow that the family of Michael David Thomson Jr. announce the passing of their beloved son and brother on December 5, 2024, after a lengthy illness. He was 49 years old.

Michael was born on February 24, 1975 in Vallejo, California to Michael David Thomson Sr. and Darlene Grzelak Thomson. At age 2, they moved to the Montague area, which is where Michael grew up. From an early age, Michael developed a curiosity to know how things worked. This typically resulted in him “taking everything apart” under the premise that he had to “fix it.” This early fixation would be carried throughout his whole life.

Michael’s happiest hours growing up were spent with his father in the garage – watching and learning as his dad worked on his stock car, which Michael was so proud to watch him race. Engines became his passion, and driving became his dream. At age 7, Michael got his first motorcycle, and he had many dirt bikes over the years. He attended Montague Elementary School and Yreka High School, where he received his GED, and went on to complete 1 year of junior college at College of the Siskiyous, where he majored in Automotive Mechanics.

Michael became a photographer for the “Old Tyme Photos” booth and traveled up and down the state working events, county, and state fairs alike.

At age 21, Michael’s dream came true when his dad bought him his first stock car, and he raced for the first time. This endeavor would be short lived – at age 22, Michael broke his neck in a diving accident, which left him a quadriplegic – in an instant, his life was changed forever.

Despite the challenges of his disability, Michael never gave up on his love of driving, and with the assistance of hand controls, he continued to enjoy driving. With the strength of his will and sheer determination, he figured out ways to make tools work for him. He once again gained the personal satisfaction from fixing things. Patience and perseverance paid off and he was soon taking apart computers, stereos, cell phones – you name it and he would fix it! Ask any friend, and they will tell you something that he had fixed for them.

Michael also enjoyed building and riving remote control cars. He call this his “therapy.” He was very proud of his Hot Wheel collection, and he displayed it proudly. Whether winning or losing, the Raiders were his football team – obvious by the many t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, and of course, by the Raiders hat he always wore.

Michael’s determination to overcome obstacles despite his condition is a testament to his true spirit and an inspiration to all who have watched him in amazement to try and repair anything.

Michael showed true courage in facing life’s challenges on a daily basis. Simple things that are automatic for you and I were not simple for him, and so often his bad days outnumbered the good days. He will always be admired for his ability to enjoy life, even on the bad days. He taught us to appreciate our own abilities and take nothing for granted. Michael was a friend to all who knew him. His kind soul and big heart lent him to help other in need of a favor. Michael would hope that his acts of kindness would be remembered and passed on to others.

“Although difficult today to see beyond the sorrow…may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.”

Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Darlene Grzelak and by his soul mate, Jamie Kelley-Flanagan.

He is survived by his father, Michael David Thomson Sr. and mom Lori Thomson of Hornbrook; his brothers, Christian Thomson and David Thomson, both of Yreka; and by a son, Michael Simmons on Redding.

A heart-felt thank-you to the countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and family whose outpouring of love filled his heart. Your presence, thoughts, and prayers were a great comfort to our son. He loved you all very much.

A memorial service for Michael will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Girdner Funeral Chapel in Yreka.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made in Michael’s name to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation for paralysis research (https://www.christopherreeve.org/get-involved/donate/).

sourced: Girdner Funeral Chapel