Charlie Thompson, who at one-time was co-owner of Musky Hunter magazine, died unexpectedly on Saturday, January 2, 2016. He was 72.

Thompson founded Mailing and Printing Services, which eventually became Outlook Graphics/Outlook Group, which purchased Musky Hunter in 1994.

Charlie Thompson with a big musky. Photo courtesy Mike Lazarus

Holding his personal-best musky and smiling with a cigar clamped in his teeth, he was introduced to MHM’s readership in an article in the October/November 1994 issue under the headline, “Not Your Corporate Kinda Guys.” Outlook’s involvement with Musky Hunter ended in August 1997 with the magazine’s sale to Esox Promotions, which is headed by Jim Saric.

“Charlie was a visionary as well as a great musky hunter,” said Saric. “When he purchased Musky Hunter he knew the potential of the sport and wanted to expand the magazine across the entire range. He had a passion for muskies and wanted to share that with everyone.

“Charlie’s personality was captivating whether he was talking business or telling a fish story, and he definitely will be missed.”

An avid fisher and hunter, Thompson particularly enjoyed the lakes of Hayward and Boulder Junction, but his blood flowed in the Canadian waters where he fished with famed guide Mike Lazarus. “Charlie was a man’s man,” Lazarus said. “He was always ready to go and have a great time. I enjoyed being around him and we became great friends. I will miss him.”

Thompson’s interests also included one-time ownership of LeLure Tackle Company.

During his involvement with Outlook, Thompson took great pride in President George H. Bush’s 1992 visit to the company. Outlook was one of seven businesses involved in a youth apprenticeship program that drew praise from President Bush.

Survivors include Charlie’s wife, Charlene Thompson; daughter Heidi (Thompson) Brooks; stepsons Alex Sansone and Nick Sansone; grandson Desi Cruz Brooks; and step-grandchildren Eva Sansone and Sam Sansone. Charlie was preceded in death by parents Thomas and Elizabeth (Erdlitz) Thompson; brother Tommy Thompson; and son-in-law Todd Jeanquart.

Services were held in Shorewood, Wisconsin.