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A Tribute to a Great Networker
by Emmett Solomon, Executive Director
Restorative Justice Ministries Network
Bert Thompson was about the best networker that I ever was
privileged to know. He breathed new life into the Community
Partnership Councils around Texas. His great energy and skill
led to the activation of the CPC in Harris County, Montgomery
County and other places in Texas. He was the very picture of
optimism.
His friend Carol Vance observed:
"On reflection, it seems pretty obvious that Bert knew he
was on a short string since 2001 when he lost his voice. His
neighbor told about these long coughing spells Bert had at that
time when he would visit Bert at the house. Bert lost his voice
for about 8 months at that time. When I think about what Dr.
Toppell told me that Bert had a massive lung problem and that
this existed for a long time, Bert must have known his health
was in jeopardy. When he recovered from that was about the
time when he started going day and night to do all he could for
the guys getting out of prison. I never saw such energy and
such an effort and such commitment and such results. Just like
a man with limited time who was going to pack in all the time
and energy he possibly could making things better for the lost
and hurting. What a Guy! What an example. I have known some
people whom I believe are truly sold out to the Lord. But I
just never met anyone like Bert Thompson before. 'No eye
has seen nor ear has heard....' except Bert is there."
Carol's tribute to Bert resonates with me. Bert served on the
Board of Directors of the Restorative Justice Ministries Network
for 5 years. He brought so very much energy and optimism to
each meeting. He will be missed by all of us who served along
with him but could only try to follow along watching his coat
tails billow out behind him because of his great forward
movement. Texas needed an example of a great networker. God
provided that and now we who are left are inspired to take it up
and continue to move forward with optimism.
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