David Carlisle Thompson died peacefully on Jan. 11 at his home on Fuller street in Edgartown following a period of declining health. He was 84.

David was born in Attleboro on July 31, 1935 to Rupert Campbell Thompson Jr. and Eleanor Ball Thompson. He graduated from Deerfield Academy in 1953 and from Dartmouth College in 1957 and he remained a lifelong supporter of both institutions. After serving as an executive at Stanley Works in New Britain, Conn., in the 1960s, he and his wife Joan Palma Thompson moved to Martha’s Vineyard in 1973. He founded Vineyard Yachts, a boat-building company based in Vineyard Haven, where he produced seaworthy and elegant runabouts. In the 1980s he established LandVest Real Estate in Edgartown, and for more than 30 years was a leading real estate professional on the Island. Throughout his boatbuilding and real estate careers, he was capably assisted by Joan, who organized their offices and kept David on track.

David was an avid outdoors enthusiast who embraced New England’s four seasons. He was an expert golfer, skier, waterfowl hunter, boater and fisherman. He served as president of the Edgartown Golf Club from 1986 to 1992. He was a dedicated conservationist and longtime supporter of The Trustees of Reservations, Ducks Unlimited and Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation. He was also a member of the Edgartown Yacht Club and the Edgartown Reading Room. As a life trustee of the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust, he and his colleague Ted Farrow initiated the acquisitions of 15 of the Island’s endangered landmarks.

David was grateful for the assistance of the compassionate team of nurses and skilled aides who made his last years comfortable. He was predeceased by his brother, Peter Campbell Thompson and by Joan, his beloved wife of 40 years. He is survived by two nephews and their families, and also leaves many good friends who cared deeply for him and who assisted with his care.

Prior to his marriage to Joan, he was married to Alice Jane (AJ) Thompson. Following Joan’s death, he was briefly married to Anne P. Billings of McKinney, Tex.; both marriages ended in divorce.

In honor of his loyal feline companions, contributions in David’s name can be made to the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 1829, Edgartown, Massachusetts 02539.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 14 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Edgartown.