WILLIAM ARTHUR THOMPSON

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WILLIAM ARTHUR THOMPSON October 12, 1921 - April 12, 2002 Art Thompson, of Onanole, MB, passed away peacefully, in the presence of his family, at St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, on Friday, April 12, 2002, after a short illness, at the age of 80 years. Art was the loving husband of Sylvia for 57 years; the devoted father of Bonnie Fast (John), Rae Heald, Rodney (Elaine), Bob and Larry Thompson; and treasured grandfather of Paul and Craig Fast, Virginia Clark and Cynthia Haller, Ben, Mike and Andrew Thompson. He was predeceased by his parents, Frances and Arthur Thompson, formerly long-time residents of Brandon; and by his sister and brother-in-law, Lillian and Jack Aseltine. After receiving his education in Brandon, Art joined the RCAF in 1942. He married Sylvia, also a member of the RCAF, in Halifax, NS, in 1945 and returned to Brandon to assist his parents with their grocery and confectionery business on 13th Street. He was later employed by Manitoba Blue Cross in Brandon, and eventually became an employee of the Manitoba Health Services Commission, rising to the position of personnel manager and retiring in 1982. He immediately returned to the civil service as personnel manager of the newly-formed Manitoba Lotteries, until 1984, when he retired to live in Onanole. Art was a faithful worker in his community, serving on the board of Brandon Childrens Aid Society, Rotary Club, Figure Skating Club, and Knox United Church as a member of the Building Committee in the 1950s and as a Sunday School teacher and superintendent. After transferring to Winnipeg in 1959 he became active in the building of Windsor Park United Church, served in various capacities with figure skating clubs, and was a figure skating representative at the first Canada Winter Games in Quebec City. After retirement his community service continued with membership in Park Plus People at Riding Mountain National Park, participation in the Elder Hostel program, support of the Onanole Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the building committee for the Co-operative Housing Project, and a member of Onanole Seniors Centre. Having spent every summer since 1946 with his family at Clear Lake, he continued to enjoy those environs, hiking with family and his dog in summer, and cross-country skiing in winter. At home he took a keen interest in his garden. He was a good neighbour. Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held at Onanole Cemetery in July. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to Luther Home, 1081 Andrews St., Winnipeg, MB, R2V 2G9, or to Onanole Seniors Centre, Onanole, MB, R0J 1N0. Desjardins Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements, 233-4949; toll free 1-888-233-4949.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 16, 2002