Public Works Commissioner Harold G. Thompson Jr. died Sunday afternoon at a Puerto Rico hospital days after undergoing brain surgery. He was 38.
Thompson had been hospitalized at Juan Luis Hospital on St. Croix in mid-August, before going to Puerto Rico for further treatment.
Thompson, a native of Puerto Rico, grew up on St. Croix where he attended the Lutheran School and St. Dunstan's Episcopal School. He graduated St. Dunstan's in 1980 as a Presidential Scholar and class valedictorian, according to a release from Government House.
He attended the University of the Virgin Islands and later went on to Renssaelaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. He graduated from RPI in 1984 with a bachelor of science degree in industrial and management engineering. While at RPI, Thompson won the Stanton Award, given to the senior who has contributed most in service to the student body.
After working in the States for the U.S. Department of the Army as an industrial engineer, as well as on several manufacturing technology projects, Thompson returned home in 1991 to take a position with Public Works. As project manager for the department, Thompson assessed contractor performance on $28 million in executvie branch projects including the St. Croix hospital renovation, design of Golden Grove security doors and various resurfacing projects.
Thompson was promoted to director of project management in 1996 and served in that position until appointed acting commissioner of Public Works. Thompson also served as vice-chairman of the Historic Preservation Commission along with being a past president of the Fredriksted Lions Club.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull said Thompson was "a valued member of my cabinet, who until his recent illness and subsequent death served the people of the territory well in one of the most difficult posts. He is to be remembered for his decency, civility and love for the people of the Virgin Islands."
He is survived by his wife, Mercedes F. Thompson, and his two stepchildren, Mercedes R. and William.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
