Obituary of Ronald Thompson

November 16, 1931 – Antigonish, Nova Sc May 29, 2017 – Calgary, Alberta Ron Thompson of Calgary passed away peacefully on Monday, May 29, 2017 at the age of 85 years. Ron was born in Antigonish, Nova Scotia the eldest of 11 children. He first came to Calgary as a St. Francis Xavier University student in the early 1950s, working summer jobs in Banff both at the Mount Royal Hotel and the train station, where he unloaded baggage for arriving visitors. After graduating, he then returned to southern Alberta, teaching in Rosemary, in close proximity to his university buddies teaching in nearby communities. It was at a dance in Banff that he met his wife, Anne (nee Yurchevich). Moving to Calgary, he taught English at St. Mary’s Boys’ School (later St. Mary’s High School). Ron achieved a Masters in Education from the University of Alberta and later worked in the Calgary Catholic School District’s Human Resources department. He recruited many of the teachers who today still serve in the system. Ron had a deep sense of community and personal faith. He was a member of the St. Alphonsus Council #4695 of the Knights of Columbus and was pleased to be a St. FX University alumnus. Ron was a proud grandfather, taking an active interest in his grandchildren’s sports and other activities. He enjoyed family gatherings in Calgary, in BC and in northern Idaho, as well as various international trips. An avid gardener, he was famous for showing up at gatherings with fresh produce in hand. In recent years, he enjoyed daily walks, reading and keeping up on his draft picks in hockey pools. Ron is survived by his wife, Anne of 57 years; his children, Jason (Blanche), Joel (Maggie), Niki (Marc) and Gib (Trudy-Ann) and grandchildren, Nathan, Noah, Eva, Julia, Garret, Adam, Indiana, and Macenzie. He is survived locally by brothers: James(Anne), Halifax; Leo(Sarah), Plymouth; Jack(Ruth), Plymouth; Joseph(Sharon),Dartmouth; Leonard, NewGlasgow; sisters: Miriam(Jim)Sears, Plymouth; Lillian(Geordie)Moser, Plymouth; Minnie(Bob)MacDonald, MacLellan’s Brook; Camilla(Charlie)Sutherland, Westville; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Gibbons and Mary Thompson and his brother, Jerry. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W. Calgary, AB) on Monday, June 5, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (1307 – 14th Street S.W.) on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the church hall. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made in Ron’s name to the Calgary Catholic Education Foundation at www.theccef.ca. Local online condolenses may be www.angusfuneralhomes.com