I haven't seen the news reported anywhere -- and checked both the wires and the Ninth Circuit's web site --but I learned this morning (from a reliable source) that Judge Thompson apparently died over the weekend.
This is a great loss. Judge Thompson spent his career in San Diego, practicing law here for almost thirty years (after getting out of the Navy) before being appointed to the Ninth Circuit in 1985. I didn't always agree with Judge Thompson, but I nonetheless often respected his approach.
He will be missed.
POSTSCRIPT - The Ninth Circuit confirms Judge Thompson's passing here. More, presumably, on Tuesday.
