I'm sad to announce that Mr. Paul Thompson has passed away. He was the founder of California Rare fruit growers, and he was a legacy. I was very impressed with his works when I read the recent article in the Fruit gardener.

the service details are below:

2:00 p.m. June 12, Paul's services Berry Bell Mortuary, Fallbrook, CA

At 2:00 p.m. June 12, Paul's services will be at Berry Bell &
Hall Mortuary 333 N Vine St Fallbrook, CA 92028

I just met Leo Manuel last Friday to pick up a 'Thomson' mango and today Leo mailed out his addendum to the funeral info:

Paul's Funeral Services will be held Thursday June 12th at 2PM

at: BERRY BELL HALL MORTUARY 333 N. Vine Fallbrook Ca.

Phone 760-728-1689

There will a reception from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM at: FALLBROOK COMMUNITY CENTER (NORTH ROOM) 341 Heald Lane Fallbrook CA Phone 760-728-1671

Paul Thomson Born in India on June 29, 1916.His parents were Christian missionaries from Nebraska. He enlisted in the U. S.

Marine Corp Jan. 11, 1938. He married Helen Benlehr October 11, 1941.After 20 years service Paul was discharged from the Marine Corp on Jan. 10, 1958. In 1952 Paul and Helen bought the property in Bonsall where Paul lived until he was 90. Paul built their home sawing every board by hand. Paul and John Riley founded the California Rare Fruit Growers in November 1968. In May of 2007 Helen, Paul's wife of 65 years died.

Shortly thereafter he moved to an assisted living facility in Fallbrook where he died on May 31, 2008. Paul's life was characterized by his music, his church, his horticultural activities, and his unquenchable thirst to initiate and complete pioneering projects.