ENCINITAS — Ian Thompson, a longtime Encinitas resident, surfboard maker, author, animal advocate, and the husband of the late former Encinitas council member Maggie Houlihan, died on Jan. 28 following a battle with cancer. He was 69.
Thompson, originally from England, was described by friends and colleagues as a vibrant, fun-loving individual who left a lasting impact on the community through his work and advocacy. Known for his quick wit and playful nature, Thompson also had a serious side, particularly when supporting his wife’s political and community endeavors.
“He was the wind beneath her wings,” said Laurie Michaels, a close friend and advisory board member of SNAP (Spay Neuter Action Project), an organization Houlihan co-founded to promote low-cost and free spay/neuter services for underserved communities. “He took over where Maggie left off, and he was a big supporter of hers.”
Thompson served on the board of SNAP after Houlihan’s passing, continuing the couple’s shared mission to protect animals. Their home, filled with rescued pets, reflected their dedication to animal welfare.
Thompson and Houlihan’s relationship began unconventionally, according to friends.
“They got together because he needed a green card and she needed money,” Michaels said.
But their arrangement evolved into a profound love story central to their lives. Thompson chronicled their relationship and Houlihan’s political journey in his book, “An Inconvenient Voice,” which he wrote primarily for Houlihan’s grandson.
Houlihan, who served on the Encinitas City Council for over a decade, often faced fierce political battles. During those times, Thompson provided essential emotional support, Michaels said.
“She called him her baby angel,” Michaels recalled.
After death, Thompson staunchly defended the legacy of his late wife. In 2012, Thompson publicly admonished the council for censoring her image on banners displayed for the Arts Alive program, calling the move “shameful.”
“He got up in front of the council one time and gave them a good scolding for how they treated her,” Michaels said, noting that Thompson’s death feels like the end of an era. “He’s from a time when Encinitas was different than it is now. But his impact will be felt for years to come.”
Mayor Bruce Ehlers, who first met Thompson and Houlihan during local political organizing efforts around 1998, described him as a well-read and eloquent man with a dry humor.
“Whenever problems in the city rose to a certain level, that’s when Ian would come out. It’s like bringing out the big guns,” Ehlers said. “I’m going to miss him. He was a good guy.”
Ehlers served as Houlihan’s campaign manager during her successful 2000 council bid, and Thompson often participated in campaign meetings at their home. While not deeply involved in the day-to-day aspects, Thompson contributed by walking door to door and assisting at campaign events, Ehlers said.
“We had regular campaign meetings over at Maggie’s house, and he would be there most every meeting, although he was busy working his full-time job,” Ehlers said. “Somebody had to keep the home fires burning.”
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on March 22 at Cottonwood Creek Park in Encinitas. The event is open to the public, and friends, family and community members are invited to attend.
Thompson is survived by his stepson, Chris Theobold, and his grandson, Charlie, who live in Idaho.
2 comments
Thank you, Cindy. I agree with everything you noted here (of course). I was a big fan of both Maggie and Ian.
I was blessed to meet Ian 3 campaign seasons ago. He was a lovely man, articulate, adventurous and he also possessed a wicked sense of humor. I remember sitting with him in his front yard discussing my upcoming run for office. He was kind and supportive but also very intuitive. I knew he was ill for some time. He never let on and he never complained. I’m very sad to read he’s passed. He was a good man and will be missed.
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