MARCEL ALEXANDER THOMPSON 1938-2012

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MARCEL ALEXANDER THOMPSON 1938-2012 Following 74 years of inspired devotion to his family, his wife, children, grandchildren and all of those who worked with him in his automotive businesses, Marcel died on March 29, 2012, at home, in peace, with his family as he had wished. He be lovingly be remembered by his wife of 48 years, Valerie, and his children Denise Thompson (Wayne Dare), and Gregory Arthur Thompson (Monique Thompson), who were always close to his heart and much cherished. His adored grandchildren include Aidan, Devon, Morgan, Blake, and Lauren. He will also be lovingly remembered by his foster daughter Linda and her children Aaron and Jason, stepgrandchildren Kristin Dare and Brian Dare, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, also two exchange students, Karla Bortolotti and Jenni Callio who remain close as family members. Marcel also leaves his brother Allan (Sheryl), sisters Peggy, Madalene, and Eileen (Harry Bosma), as well as sister-in-law Eva Thompson. Marcel was predeceased by his father Dave Thompson, his mother Lea Thompson (St. Amand), and brothers Edmond, David, Roland and Daniel. Marcel was born on April 8,1938 in Lorette, Manitoba. He attended school in St. Boniface, having attended Maison Chapelle, Langevin School, St. Boniface Juniorate, and Holy Cross School. Upon graduating he took business administration at Success Business College, where he excelled. Marcel was influenced by his parents and had great admiration for both of them, their hard work and steadfast commitment to their family. Marcel throughout his life was a devout catholic, an attribute greatly influenced by his parents. Marcel's Dad, Dave, ran the local blacksmith shop, and served many years as an alderman for the city of St. Boniface. Dad's strong community involvement was a major influence. After completion of his course in Business Administration, Marcel, at the age of 18 started Thompson's Industries, acting as a manufacturing agent and meeting many business people who provided him with good advice and friendship. After several years, Marcel joined his brother Allan in the running of Red Star Service, on Ruby Street. He later owned and operated a John Deere lawn equipment business, Four Seasons Equipment, on St. Mary's Rd. and on Archibald St. Ultimately, Marcel made the decision to follow his father's career choice, the transportation business, via blacksmithing (his fathers choice) and evolve into running a new and used Automobile Facility. His keynote enterprise, Frontier Toyota has been owned and operated by Marcel for 36 years. Expansions were many, and now include Frontier Subaru and Frontier Autobody. Marcel was very curious and a lifetime learner, always reading and studying as well as keeping to date on industry innovations. He was a patient man, who could lose patience if his high standard of business practice was not adhered to. He was a natural leader who was an inspiration and mentor to many. Most outstanding was his faith. Faith maintained despite the many risks and trials that come with being an entrepreneur. He was devout in his religious faith, enabling him to endure the tough times, and keep on trucking . He was also generous to a fault , always willing to assist a person in need, always wanting to contribute to the community that enabled his success. Marcel participated in many community activities including serving as a board member of Holy Cross School, the Winnipeg Sport's Car Club, The Knights of Columbus, the Ritchot Municipal Committee, Les Hommes D'Affaires de St. Boniface, and the St. Vital- St. Boniface Kiwanis Club. He supported the Salvation Army, the Cercle de Moliere, the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, the College de St. Boniface, The St. Amant Centre, LEAF Manitoba, and several others. Marcel was active with Toyota Canada, having served with the advertising council, and many successful years as a continuously re-elected member of the Toyota Dealer Council, which he also served as President. Marcel was active for years with the Manitoba Motor Dealers Association. He is particularly proud of his achievement, when serving as President of the MMDA, reaching an agreement with all auto dealers in Winnipeg to change the hours of operation, staying open only Monday and Tuesday evenings, benefiting sales employees by allowing more time for family and community involvement. This long held agreement is still in place today. Marcel was a devoted family man and consistently proud of his wife Valerie, and his children Denise and Greg. Despite the demands of business, Marcel always put his family first. Foremost a family man, his concern also directed to his extended family. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, April 9, 2012, at the St. Boniface Cathedral, 190 avenue de la Cathédrale, at 10:30 a.m. Viewing will take place from 9:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Eulogies celebrating Marcel's life will commence at 10:20 a.m., followed by the funeral mass. A reception, to which all are invited, will take place immediately after the service in the Church Reception Hall. In lieu of flowers, you may wish to donate to the Salvation Army Sarah's Place Project, 324 Logan Ave, 2nd Floor, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3A 0L5. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 253-5086 ejcoutu.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 05, 2012