EDDIE THOMPSON / 1947-2005

Cyclist rode on determination
to push on despite illness

Eddie "Eduardius" Thompson, the former Waikiki man who used a customized three-wheeled bicycle to defy the physical limitations of cerebral palsy, died Wednesday in Salt Lake City. He was 58.

Eddie Thompson: He is described by friends as headstrong and a bit of a daredevil

"He's pedaling the highways to heaven," friend Wayne Geiger said.

Thompson left Oahu last Friday, moving to a care home in his native Salt Lake City after having lived independently in Honolulu for 22 years.

"This was his wish," Geiger said of his friend's death. "He didn't want people taking care of him. He was ready to go."

Thompson's health had been declining, and he had developed pneumonia while in Honolulu. But he opted not to treat it, and received morphine drops every hour.

"He passed away very comfortably, very peacefully," said lifelong friend Steve Scott, who accompanied him to Salt Lake City.

"I really think his intention was to get back to Salt Lake to pass away," Scott said. "In typical fashion, he just took control and made up his mind to do it."

His friends described him as headstrong and a bit of a daredevil, parasailing in Mexico and cycling around the country.

Thompson was a familiar sight to motorists along Oahu roadways, especially Kalanianaole Highway, where for years he rode his three-wheeler with bright flags daily from his Waikiki home to Hawaii Kai.

He would rise at 3:30 a.m. and depart at 4:30 a.m. so he could meet friends for breakfast 10 miles away in Hawaii Kai at 8 a.m.

On Saturdays, Thompson would ride home around 5 p.m. after a side trip to Eki Cyclery in Kalihi where owner Jayne Kim would offer up a Vanilla Coke and service his tri-wheeler.

Thompson had many admirers who wrote letters saying how seeing him plowing down the highway inspired them to overcome their own adversities. Some motorists, however, worried about his safety, and others complained that his daily rides were a hazard.

Last fall, Thompson could no longer handle riding his bicycle, and he began using an electric wheelchair and riding the bus for his daily trips.

About a month ago, his health deteriorated after he fell from his electric wheelchair and suffered a spinal injury.

"He was worn out, and the accident just overloaded his circuit and he wasn't able to deal much more," Scott said. "He sort of tolerated the pep talks, but I think all the time he knew what he was doing."

Thompson is survived by his brother, Val, stepsisters Carol Smith and Lorraine Bunker, and stepbrothers Dale Teeples and Niel Teeples. A service will be held at noon Tuesday in Salt Lake City, with the location to be determined. Friends in Honolulu are also planning a memorial.