DOUGLAS GRAHAM THOMSON -

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DOUGLAS GRAHAM THOMSON 1912 - 2004 Doug died November 20, 2004. Born September 27, 1912 in Ayr, Scotland, Doug was the eldest of five children and came to Canada in 1917. To help his family at age 15, he started at Macleods as a runner. In 1930 Doug began his employment with Swifts Canadian and had 47 years of dedicated service. He was instrumental in the founding of the employees Credit Union Society Ltd. and served as president. In 1939 he enlisted in the RCAF and received a honorable discharge. Doug devoted his life to his family - his wife Audrey Naomi Neal and children, Dennis Graham and Sandra Pink Joy. Doug and Audrey were married 59 years until her death in 1999. His happiest moments were in simple pleasures - reading, travelling, fishing, sports and in the last number of years cruising in "the red car", Goldeye games, car shows, cribbage with his son-in-law Ken and the treasured company of his best friend "Duffy" who was with him until the day he died. A man not easily given to expressing emotion, those that knew him understood he had a kind heart, a keen mind, a caring concern and was genuinely grateful beyond words for his family. When we cry for the loss of a loved one we cry for all the wrong reasons. We cry for what we lost not for what we gained. We lost the physical being who gave meaning to our lives and was an essential part of our world. We lost someone who listened to our troubles, guided us with his wisdom, shared our disappointments, encouraged our dreams, and provided strength and support so we could become who we are today. We gained something even greater. We gained the precious memories of joy and good times that last long after the happiest moments have passed. These memories always turn to loving thoughts of him. He still lives with us...only now he lives within us, within our hearts and this will never be lost. Doug is survived by son Dennis; grandson Troy (Maureen) great-grandsons Noah and Matthew; daughter Sandra (Ken Norquay) brother Dewar (June) sister Jean (Les Harper). His wish was for his body to be donated to research at the University of Manitoba. Tributes in his name may be made to charity in memory of Douglas Graham Thomson.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 27, 2004