NORMAN GEORGE THOMSON

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NORMAN GEORGE THOMSON On Friday, April 7, 2000 at Victoria General Hospital, our beloved father and grandfather, George, passed away peacefully. Predeceased by his wife Iris and daughter Heather; his parents and sister Belle Oshiro; he leaves to mourn his death and celebrate his life his daughters, Sheila Duprey (Tim) and Linda Newberry (Wayne), the joy of his heart, his grandsons, Damien, Nicholas and Cory, his extended family and many friends. Dads life was a wonderful adventure from beginning to end. Born August 12, 1911 in Seaton Delaval, Northumberland, he boldly headed west at age 17. A butcher by trade, he survived his first winter working in a logging camp before joining the T. Eaton Co. in 1931. After transferring to the new store in Kenora, he met and married his beloved "Irish" Nairn. George continued his adventures as he and the Nairn family explored and enjoyed the Lake of the Woods area, eventually building a corduroy road to, and cottages on, Dogtooth Lake. Throughout his life and lake reminded a place of inspiration and spiritual renewal. During the Second World War, dad served with the 16th Medium Battery of the Royal Canadian Artillery in Italy, France, Holland and Germany. After the war, the family moved to Winnipeg where George worked and later managed Eatons 3rd floor meat department for over 30 years. That department often rang with laughter as George loved people and had a repertoire of stores to share. George lived his faith; his good works and acts of kindness are legend. He cherished his involvement with St. Johns Masonic Lodge No. 4, The Royal Order of Scotland and the Scottish Rite. He was a trustee on the Seven Oaks School Board. At St. Martin-in-the-Field Church he served as Rectors Warden and official turkey carver at the Annual Fowl Suppers. For the past 15 years, George has resided at Lions Place which became his cherished home and community. There he served on Residents Council and helpful fundraise for, and establish a health centre named in his honour. A lifelong learner, he completed a University Seniors Program and helped establish the Residents Assistance Program at Lions. His latest initiative was fundraising for the new Lions Personal Care Home where he had hoped one day to reside. George received the City of Winnipeg Volunteer Service Ward and was nominated for the Premiers Volunteer Service Award. The family would like to thank the wonderful people who provided dad with exceptional loving care and support, Lions Place residents and staff, Victoria General Hospital staff, Dr. Dillon and Klinic, Home Care workers, especially Howard and Dennis. Special thanks to those who called, visited and sent cards and flowers during dads hospital stay and especially to dads faithful and valued friend, Ed Skelton. A celebration of Georges life will be held at Lions Place, 610 Portage Avenue, 2nd floor auditorium, Wednesday, April 12, at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lions Housing towards their new nursing home or to the George Thomson Health Centre, 320 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3B 2W6 or to the charity of your choice. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 10, 2000