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ARNOLD GEORGE THOMSON  Obituary pic

ARNOLD GEORGE THOMSON

Date of Passing: Nov 25, 2012

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ARNOLD GEORGE THOMSON On Sunday, November 25, Arnie quietly and peacefully drew his last breath. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Shirley, daughter Enid (David), siblings Edna, Lorne (Joyce), Sharron, Linda (Rick), Geoff (Gail), special sister-in-law June Thomson, many nieces and nephews, his dog Ben and his precious grandchildren Anna and Steven. Arnie and Shirley enjoyed many years with various pets at their Jessie Ave home, garage sale-ing to support The Browse Around, and time at their shack at Thomas Lake. From a very early age, Arnie was a hard-working man. He was a road construction worker, a camp cook on Baffin Island, and a baker at Eaton's. But he found his true calling as an orderly, working for over 30 years at the Rehabilitation Hospital and then Deer Lodge Hospital. He treated his patients as he treated all of the people in his life with kindness, patience and generosity. Arnie was a caregiver in every sense of the word. He looked after everyone in his life; cutting grass and shoveling snow for neighbours, baking for friends and family, and driving his grandchildren to hockey, soccer, horseback riding and even their part-time jobs. In the last few years he was devoted to caring for his Shirley and running the household. And, being fiercely independent, did it all while refusing outside help. Arnie always enjoyed sports. In his younger days, through his brother Merv, he became involved with the Canadian Paraplegic Association. He travelled many times with the Manitoba team athletes to help in the Paraplegic Games. But his favourite sports were anything his grandchildren were playing and his proudest title was always Grampa . Cremation has taken place. A reception to celebrate his life will be held Sunday, December 2, from 1:00 to 3:00, at the Wildewood Club, 761 North Drive. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Humane Society or the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Manitoba).
Publish Date: Dec 1, 2012

ARNOLD GEORGE THOMSON On Sunday, November 25, Arnie quietly and peacefully drew his last breath. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Shirley, daughter Enid (David), siblings Edna, Lorne (Joyce), Sharron, Linda (Rick), Geoff (Gail), special sister-in-law June Thomson, many nieces and nephews, his dog Ben and his precious grandchildren Anna and Steven. Arnie and Shirley enjoyed many years with various pets at their Jessie Ave home, garage sale-ing to support The Browse Around, and time at their "shack" at Thomas Lake. From a very early age, Arnie was a hard-working man. He was a road construction worker, a camp cook on Baffin Island, and a baker at Eaton's. But he found his true calling as an orderly, working for over 30 years at the Rehabilitation Hospital and then Deer Lodge Hospital. He treated his patients as he treated all of the people in his life with kindness, patience and generosity. Arnie was a caregiver in every sense of the word. He looked after everyone in his life; cutting grass and shoveling snow for neighbours, baking for friends and family, and driving his grandchildren to hockey, soccer, horseback riding and even their part-time jobs. In the last few years he was devoted to caring for his Shirley and running the household. And, being fiercely independent, did it all while refusing outside help. Arnie always enjoyed sports. In his younger days, through his brother Merv, he became involved with the Canadian Paraplegic Association. He travelled many times with the Manitoba team athletes to help in the Paraplegic Games. But his favourite sports were anything his grandchildren were playing and his proudest title was always Grampa . Cremation has taken place. A reception to celebrate his life will be held Sunday, December 2, from 1:00 to 3:00, at the Wildewood Club, 761 North Drive. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Humane Society or the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Manitoba).
Publish Date: Nov 28, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 01, 2012

Condolences & Memories (14 entries)

  • My memories of Uncle Arnie are from when I was a little girl. He was the uncle with the big smile...even as a little girl you knew that he was someone who cared and someone that you could count on. I imagine that God smiled every time Uncle Arnie smiled and with the same joy as he watched him bless others with love and caring. Can you imagine what this world would be like if we all were just a little more like my Uncle Arnie! - Posted by: Pat Koets (Niece) on: Dec 03, 2012

  • My Uncle Arnie, to me, is easily one of the kindest and sincerest gentlemen to grace my life. Although our lives have been predominately seperated due to this vast world we live, I will never forget my Uncle. The shortest of times I spent with him from sitting on my parents porch just the two of us talking,to the memorable surprise of seeing him on my wedding day. Uncle Arnie you will forever live in my heart and my life. - Posted by: Rolly Darel (Nephew) on: Dec 01, 2012

  • I will miss my Uncle Arnie very much, I have such fond memories of Christmas's as a small girl at your home on Jesse and sliding down the stair's, you gave us that look, but never said a word, and would check on us to make sure no one got hurt, and the best was the Red velvet cake you made...mmm.. sending love to heaven....xoxox give my mom a hug and all the others.... - Posted by: Susie (Niece) on: Dec 01, 2012

  • So sad to hear of Arnie's passing. We always enjoyed seeing and speaking to him and Shirley at the market.They were both such kind people. - Posted by: Ron and Leigh Holland (friends) on: Dec 01, 2012

  • When my dad, Arnie's brother Bob, was dying, Uncle Arnie stayed with us right until the end. His presence and comforting words were a huge support for us, particularly my mom. Thank you, Uncle Arnie. Your kindness truly knew no bounds. - Posted by: Connie van Dixhoorn (Niece) on: Dec 01, 2012

  • 'Salt of the earth' - that was my Uncle Arnie! Always there for others, anticipating their needs, working tirelessly behind the scenes both at home with Auntie Shirley, and in his work with patients. Uncle Arnie seemed to take pleasure in helping others, always did it with a smile. I once had the privilege of seeing Arnie 'in action' at a wheelchair basketball game and well remember the expert practical assistance he provided and the respect he paid each and every player on 'his' team. I was so proud of him! I also well recall the obvious affection those players had for him. A special bond... I told him once that he looked a lot like Robert Michum, that he had that same rugged handsomeness. He was embarrassed at that, but also, I think, pleased. I will cherish the memory of his warm, ready smile always... A good and decent, hard-working man has passed, and I will miss him... Loving thoughts to Auntie Shirley, Enid, David, Anna and Steven at this, their time of loss... - Posted by: Sheila (Michael) Longton (Niece) on: Dec 01, 2012

  • Arnie I am going to miss your caring ways. You where a wonderful brother, always giving. The weekly phone call just to make sure I was ok meant more to me than you could have ever known. Thank you for all the beautiful Christmas dinners you made sure we had every year. To my kind and gentle brother love you Rest In Peace - Posted by: Sharron (sister) on: Nov 30, 2012

  • Today with a heavy heart I am saying goodbye to my brother. Arnie was a great brother and I loved him dearly. I always enjoyed my visits with him when I came home and especially the goodies he baked. Arnie, I will miss you and you will always be remembered in my heart. Rest in peace, love you, Edna - Posted by: Edna O'Leary (sister) on: Nov 30, 2012

  • I will always remember my big brother Arnie for his kind heart and his gentle way he had with every person that crossed his path. i will always miss you arnie. i love you - Posted by: lynda (sister) on: Nov 29, 2012

  • Arnie was a true friend to Jan and I. He was the greatest of hosts, with Christmas at Shirley and Arnie's being a true highlight of our year. Arnie's passing is a sad loss to his family and all of his many friends, but we will never forget the fun times. RIP Arnie. - Posted by: Colin Lorback (Friend) on: Nov 29, 2012

  • Arnie was the very definition of a "nice guy". Never asked for anything and always willing to help others. My wife Joy and I will always remember the Red Velvet cake he made for our wedding and how disappointed people were that they couldn't have seconds! He'll always be missed and remembered. - Posted by: Harold Stanley (nephew) on: Nov 29, 2012

  • So sorry to hear about Arnie's passing....we have lots of great memories of a great man...he'll be missed by many..our thoughts and prayers are with Auntie Shirley, Enid, Dave, Anna & Steven - Posted by: Glen & Maureen Carr (niece) on: Nov 29, 2012

  • Arnie was a kind, generous, and giving man. I was one of those friends who was lucky enough to be on the receiving end of his delicious baking. I also witnessed his amazing devotion to his wife, Shirley. Love you Arnie. You will be missed. - Posted by: Janice Lorback (Good Friend) on: Nov 28, 2012

  • Arnie may have been small in stature but if a person's heart was any measure he would have been a giant. Truly a great brother and thank you for all you taught me. Will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Geoff Thomson (Brother) on: Nov 28, 2012

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