L. H. (Ronnie) Thomson

The Master of the Thomson Masterpiece

As an owner of several Thomson seatposts and stems, I can say that these are the best engineered components on my bikes. The seatpost clamp design only requires a few turns to adjust the seat angle and the stems don't budge or slip under pressure.
Thomson is so well-respected in his hometown of Macon, GA that the local cycling club organizes an annual Thomson Appreciation Day.
Below is Thomson's obituary.
- nPlusOne

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L. H. (Ronnie) Thomson, 68, passed away on Sunday, January 13, 2008. Ronnie was born on January 17, 1939 in Byron, Georgia.

Ronnie was an entrepreneur, inventor, and philanthropist. Ronnie learned his dedication to hard work while growing up on a family farm in Centerville, GA. After graduation from the Georgia Institute of Technology as an electrical engineer in 1962, he worked for a period at McDonnell Aircraft in St. Louis, where he met Marge, the love of his life and wife of 41 years.

Shortly after returning to Centerville, Ronnie fulfilled his life-long dream of starting his own company, Numerical Engineering Machine Company (Nemco) in 1968. After several years of hard work, Ronnie sold Nemco to the Boeing Company in 1980 and was the first president of Boeing Georgia Incorporated. Returning to his entrepreneurial roots, Ronnie started the L. H. Thomson Company in 1981.

The L. H. Thomson Company has been recognized with many industry awards, including Boeing Silver Supplier and Bicycle Seatpost of the Year. Under Ronnie’s direction, the L. H. Thomson Company holds numerous patents on the industry leading Thomson bicycle components. Ronnie's name will live on as over 1 million Thomson bicycle products have been sold. These successes would not have been possible without the help of many devoted employees who Ronnie considered dear friends.

Ronnie was passionate about philosophy, science, and freedom. The following organizations have benefited from Ronnie's involvement and support: Reason Foundation, Objectivist Center, Ludwig Von Mises Institute, Ayn Rand Institute, and Access to Energy/Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine.

Ronnie will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband and father, doting grandfather, friend and mentor. He has touched many lives and will be dearly missed.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Harold and Ruth Barbour Thomson, and his brother, Walter Randall Thomson. Survivors include his wife, Margaret Thomson, Byron; son Brian Thomson (Paula), Warner Robins; daughter Amy Holaday (Jason), Snellville, GA; grandchildren Garrett and Avery Thomson, Max and Lucia Holaday; sisters Vivian Long (Darrell), Centerville, and Pamela Maynor (James), Warner Robins; brother Larry Thomson (Christine), Perry. He is also survived by many aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (www.bcan.org). McCullough Funeral Home has charge of arrangements. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 15, 2008 from 6 p.m.- 8p.m. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at McCullough Funeral Home followed by a procession to a graveside service at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens.