Richard Enos Thompson

Richard Enos (Butch) Thompson died August 14, 2022, at his home in St. Paul surrounded by family. Born and raised in Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota, Butch's life was devoted to music as a pianist, clarinetist, and early jazz historian. The piano was the anchor of his life and a source of joy for his family, and countless friends and fans around the world. He is survived by his wife Mary Ellen Niedenfuer Thompson, sons Victor (Marisa Brandt) and Sam (Dahlia), stepdaughter Frannie Christensen, and grandchildren Maya and Lev. He is also survived by sister Barbara Raff and brothers John, and Peter (Ruth Anderson). A public remembrance event is being planned for autumn. For an appreciation of Butch's musical legacy see: https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-piano-giant-butch-thompson-dies-at-78-new-orleans-prairie-home-companion-garrison-keillor/600198590/ https://www.mprnews.org/story/2022/08/16/butch-thompson-jazz-pianist-with-a-prairie-home-companion-dies