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Paul Thompson
One of the main features of Cranbrook’s campus is the large track nestled beside Lone Pine Road. Although its genuine name is often forgotten or shortened, Thompson Oval celebrates a man who demonstrated to his students and colleagues the utmost allegiance to his school’s motto, Aim High. Paul Thompson spent 27 years at Cranbrook as a science instructor and athletic director. He also coached track and field, guiding numerous championship teams, including one his final season. Nicknamed “Admiral” for his years of service in the Navy during the First and Second World Wars, Thompson regularly told tales of his adventures with the fleet in the South Pacific. His stirring humor and wholesome approach to life left an indelible mark on all who got to know him as a teacher, coach, or friend.
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 4/3/2009 - Frank Swift
"The Birds and the Bees and the Willow Trees" was the theme of the Admiral's General Science class for those who were late bloomers on the big picture. His sea stories of his life in the Navy and other adventures were the stuff of legends.
When the Admiral retired, he and his wife used to go to Sunday Brunch at the Naval Air Station, Brunswick, Maine. Ernie had heard this legend of Cranbrook through my brother Rob Roy and my stories that we experience at Cranbrook. One Sunday morning, the Admiral and his wife asked Ernie if he would mind if they joined him for breakfast, and after their introductions Ernie said out loud, "You must be the Admiral!" With that General Quarters broke out among the messmen because no Admiral ever showed up unannounced for breakfast. The Admiral put them all at ease and told them to not announce his presence to the base C.O. and all went back to normal except there was always a special table set up for him every Sunday brunch.
4/4/2006 - James Saylor
If I had to pick a “favorite” master from my Cranbrook years, it would be Paul Thompson. Paul was a man who led through encouragement rather than harassment. Track was the only sport I lettered in and Paul encouraged me every step of the way. I also enjoyed Paul’s general science class. It was 50% science and 50% war stories. He would get started on one of his experiences and after extensive rambling would say, “All right, where were we”?
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