DENIS JAMES WILLIAM THOMPSON

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DENIS JAMES WILLIAM THOMPSON 1924 - 2014 It is with profound sadness that his family announces the sudden passing of our beloved Denis on Monday, November 3, 2014. Denis was predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Lorraine and in his 90th year, he was the last surviving sibling of four sisters (Grace, Olive, Doris and Joyce) and a brother, Rolla, killed in the Second World War. He will be greatly missed by his son Warren, daughter-in-law Kelly and his grandsons Brendan and Corey and his son Brian, daughter-in-law Sheri and his granddaughters Jillian (Sean) and Laura and grandson Paul. Denis was very proud of his family and the accomplishments of his grandchildren. He is also survived by many wonderful family members that have kept in touch with him over the years across Canada, the US and in the UK. Denis was born outside of Sherwood Forest in England and his Mom and Dad decided to move to Canada with the six children when Denis was three. They settled in Stockholm, Saskatchewan and did some farming while living in a one-room house for a couple of years. The family would later move east to Winnipeg and Denis would enlist and serve in the RCAF, based in Pat Bay in British Columbia for three years. Denis was mechanically inclined and took a watch-making course after the war and worked at Birks where he made some life long friendships. His friendly disposition soon broadened his focus from watch-making to the sales side of the jewellery business and began a 40 year association with the industry as a manufacturer's agent. During his early days at Birks, he was also introduced to a young nurse Lorraine Still and this started an inseparable partnership that lasted until Lorraine's passing in 2001. They enjoyed travelling together and settled in Brantford, Ontario as newlyweds for two years and then returned to Winnipeg to be closer to family and start their own family at 428 Leighton, that was to be their home for the next 45 years. Denis enjoyed being a part of the broader community and was involved in many service organizations. He was a member of the Lions Club of Winnipeg; a member of the Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite, and he was recognized this year for 50 years of service. He was an active member of the Khartum Shrine since 1966, originally in the Drum and Bugle Corp and then as one of the two founding members of the Arabian Horse Guard. Denis also enjoyed his many years of membership with the Royal Order of Jesters. Denis and Lorraine moved out to Charleswood in 1997 and to no one's surprise, he quickly became part of their new condo community and took on the duties as the association President for a few years. Denis also enjoyed curling at the Winnipeg Winter Club in the men's and mixed leagues and golfing when he got the opportunity to get out for a round. But his true passion was the lake and the wonderful cottage environment that he provided for his family at Lake of the Woods. It has been instilled in his family and the cottage is still the place for the family to gather and connect with each other. Denis and family were long time members of John Black United Church, and after relocating to Charleswood, they were active members of Charleswood United Church. His CUC friends were very important to him and the aisle seat in row five won't seem the same. Family and friends will miss this true gentleman and a Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 10, 2014 at Charleswood United Church, 4820 Roblin Boulevard. If friends so desire, donations in Denis's memory can be made to either: Khartum Patient Transportation Fund, 1155 Wilkes Avenue, Winnipeg MB, R3P 1B9; or the Charleswood United Church Heritage Fund, 4820 Roblin Boulevard, Winnipeg, MB, R3R 0G6, or to the charity of their choice. The family would like to thank the staff on the 3rd floor at the Grace Hospital for their wonderful care and compassion during the short time Denis was in their care. www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715
Publish Date: Nov 8, 2014

DENIS JAMES WILLIAM THOMPSON 1924 2014 It is with profound sadness that his family announces the sudden passing of our beloved Denis on Monday, November 3, 2014. Family and friends will miss this true gentleman and a Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 10, 2014 at Charleswood United Church, 4820 Roblin Boulevard. Full obituary will follow on Saturday. www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715
Publish Date: Nov 5, 2014

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 08, 2014