MutualFundWire.com: A Thompson Fund Director Passes Away

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Wednesday, February 20, 2013

A Thompson Fund Director Passes Away

Donald Nichols, a noted economics professor who had served as a director of Thompson IM Funds since 1987, passed away on February 15th at the age of 72.

Earning a PhD in economics from Yale University, Nichols had served as a member of the Economics Department of the University of Wisconsin for 40-years.

He had also served as a visit professor at Yale as well as the London School of Economics, as well as senior economist of the Budget Committee of the United States Senate, and as deputy assistant secretary in the Department of Labor from 1977 to 1979.

According to his obituary on Madison.com, Nichols had a wide variety of interests, including the trumpet, choral singing and competitive soccer.

For example, Madison.com notes that he captained teams in several sports at many levels throughout his life, finally retiring at age 42, from one of Madison (Wisconsin) United’s competitive soccer teams. He played in Wisconsin’s top amateur soccer league in the late 60s and 70s, a league then dominated by ethnic teams from Milwaukee comprised of first generation immigrants from Europe. He also played on a Ukrainian team while in graduate school, and with two English teams while in England in the fall of 1971. He played on a Chilean team while in Washington in 1975-76 and he played on multi-ethnic teams both while in graduate school at Yale, and in Wisconsin.

"Don was an inspiration to all the Investment Portfolio Managers and the staff,” stated John W. Thompson, President and chief executive officer of the Thompson IM Funds. “He set a high standard of performance and conduct for us all. We enjoyed his humor, and valued his knowledge and perspective. We will all miss the interaction that was so positive for over twenty five years."

Here is the press release from Thompson IM Funds.

Company Press Release

THOMPSON IM FUNDS, INC. MOURNS THE PASSING OF DIRECTOR, DON NICHOLS

Madison, WI - February 20, 2013 - The officers, directors, and staff of Thompson IM Funds, Inc. and of Thompson Investment Management, Inc., have been deeply saddened by the death of Donald Nichols on February 15, 2013. Don had been a director of the Funds since the 1987 founding, and his contribution will be greatly missed. We join his wife, Jane, children, many friends, and local Madison community in recognizing the memory of an outstanding person.

"Don was an inspiration to all the Investment Portfolio Managers and the staff,” said John W. Thompson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Funds. “He set a high standard of performance and conduct for us all. We enjoyed his humor, and valued his knowledge and perspective. We will all miss the interaction that was so positive for over twenty five years."

“Don provided an impressive insight on U.S. and world economics,” added John W. Feldt, Chairman of the Funds. “He had both a thorough manner and a wonderful sense of humor. He took his role very seriously, and was always willing to ask tough questions of management. We will all miss him as both a person and as Chairman and Director.”

About Thompson Investment Management, Inc.: Thompson Investment Management, Inc. is an investment advisory firm based in Madison, Wisconsin, that specializes in managing portfolios for high net worth individuals, foundations, pension plans, corporations and other institutions. The firm also provides 401(k) retirement plan advisory services to businesses. Thompson Investment Management, Inc. serves as investment advisor to three nationally-distributed no-load funds – the Thompson LargeCap Fund (THPGX), Thompson MidCap Fund (THPMX) and Thompson Bond Fund (THOPX).

The Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the investment company, and may be obtained by calling 1-800-999-0887 or by visiting www.thompsonim.com. Read carefully before investing.

Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

While the fund is no-load, management and other expenses still apply.

The Funds are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.