Obituary of John William Thompson

John William Thompson (Jack) of Plymouth, Nova Scotia passed away peacefully on June 18, 2024, at the Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care surrounded by the love of his family. He was 88 years old, aging in place at home thanks to the love and care of his wife, Ruth and VON team. Jack was born June 10, 1936, in Williams Point, Antigonish County, Nova Scotia to Gibbons and Mary (MacFarlane) Thompson. February 27, 1965, he married Ruth (Gardner) Thompson, the love of his life and raised four wonderful children: Robert (Cindy) (Ponds), Doug (Chiyuki) (Edmonton), Lisa (Stellarton) and Andy (Shelley) (Plymouth). He was the proud grandfather of Jeffrey, Scott, Mark, Ami, Chika, Layo, Hayley, Rory, Dylana, Skyler and Sam. Jack was one of eleven children including Ronald (Anne), James (Annabelle), Miriam (James), Leo (Sarah), Joseph (Sharon), Gerry, Lillian (Geordie), Minnie (Bob), Camilla (Charlie) and Leonard (Paula). Life on the farm in Plymouth taught him the value of hard work. He later worked for 27 years at the Pulp Mill working with a near perfect service record. He was predeceased by his parents, siblings Ronald, James, Miriam, Joseph, and Gerry. Aside from his family he loved sports and could often be found heading to a rink or ballfield with his children and a carload of neighbourhood kids. Sports for Jack was a way of life, it built character and was a way to simply have fun. He competed in track and field, baseball and played Junior hockey here in New Glasgow and Senior in Western Canada. After retirement he spent many hours at Glen Lovat playing golf with his buddies and at the Bluenose Curling Club for a friendly curling match. Some of his highlights included a hole in one witnessed by his daughter Lisa and an Eight-Ender at the curling rink. He shared his passion for sport by organizing and coaching many ball and hockey teams, including the Plymouth Chevies, Thorburn Golden Hawks and the first AAA Midget Hockey team in Pictou County, the Pictou County Mavericks. He made sure everyone had a chance to play. Visitations will be held June 24th from 2-4pm and 7-9 pm at HW Angus Funeral Home in New Glasgow. Following Jack’s life-long passion for sports, especially his Montreal Canadiens, the family invites everyone to “show your team colours” at the funeral home visitation by wearing your favourite team’s hat or jersey. All team logos welcomed, even the Toronto Maple Leafs. Funeral Service will be held at Holy Name Catholic Church, Westville on June 25, 2024, at 11 am with Father Peter MacDonald officiating. Directly following the Funeral Mass there will be a reception in Plymouth Community Centre with light lunch served. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care Society or a charity of your choice. In Jack’s memory play a sport, coach a team, buy a 50/50 ticket, cheer from the sidelines, encourage teamwork and enjoy life every day.