Beloved figure at Statehouse collapses, dies

Lynn Bartels, Rocky Mountain News

Published January 12, 2006 at midnight

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Tommy Thompson, a much-beloved sergeant-at-arms for the state House of Representatives, died of an apparent heart attack on the opening day of the legislative session Wednesday.

Thompson, 82, was making copies for work when he collapsed Wednesday evening, said Marilyn Eddins, chief clerk for the House.

His death stunned lawmakers.

"He was the best," said Rep. Mark Cloer, R-Colorado Springs, who sobbed when he got the news. "I loved Tommy."

Thompson was one of six sergeants-at-arms, the green-coated men who maintain order in the legislative chambers and meeting rooms and run errands for lawmakers.

Thompson had worked at the Capitol since at least 1997. Eddins said Thompson was afraid that because of his age and health problems he wouldn't get invited back to work this year.

"He loved the Capitol, and he was thrilled to come back," she said.

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