The Lisbon community was reeling from the loss of Mitchell Thomson, 30, of Stanwood and Nicholas Thomson, 40, of Tipton, as well as Kirk Stout, Sr., 60, of Marion. The trio had been fishing on the Mississippi river Sunday, Dec. 8, when their boat overturned. Rescuers were able to recover all three from the water, but all three died.
Mitch graduated from Lisbon in 2012, and immediately joined the custodial team at the school. He also continued his study in mechanics, which superintendent Autumn Pino said was a later benefit to the school system.
“Mitch has left a lasting impression in the hearts of so many, whether it was his soft sense of humor, his willingness to deliver on any task regardless of the obstacle, or the way he took pride in his work due to his passion for our Lisbon community,” Pino wrote. “He will be missed by our Lisbon family, and we will always be grateful for his contributions in making Lisbon a great place for our students.”
Counseling services have been available to students and staff impacted by the loss.
During Tuesday’s high school band concert, director Joseph Arch dedicated the song “Turquoise” to Mitch. The song was written for the composer’s 10-year-old child who passed away early.
At Lisbon’s school board meeting, principals Jack Leighty and Justin Brown as well extended their sympathies to the Thomson family.
“Mitch did a great job at this district,” Leighty said.
“It’s always hard to lose someone that many considered a friend or a part of your school family,” Brown said.
Pino thanked the outpouring of support that the community has shown to the Thomson family, as well as to the school during the loss.
“We’ve had people letting us and Rod know they’re willing to help out with some of the tasks that Mitch helped with, especially snow removal,” Pino said. “What this has reminded us all of, however, is how special the school is and people are special here, no matter their role in the system. Mitch was a part of the Lisbon school system. He waved back to our elementary students, worked alongside high schoolers in the summers. He was a permanent f ixture in this school, and it’s hard to lose someone like that.”
“The beauty of owning a small business is being blessed to know a lot of people,” wrote Tyler Light, co-owner of Baxa’s Sutliff Store and Tavern. “Not just by name, but the streets of our village for years, would do anything for anyone, and made us laugh either over a card game, facial expression or just a look to see what the hell they had on their trailer now.”
“Sutliff is not just a tavern, or a small business, it’s a place that remembers the hearts that have been broken over the years for lost loved ones. But when you walk on property it’s almost like a sense of happiness because so many have enjoyed their f irst of many memories there.”
“I truly hope that the Thomson family knows your boys will always be remembered for many years to come and they will be missed within our village.”