Keven THOMPSON

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THOMPSON: Keven Thompson, September 27, 1954-August 8, 2020. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Keven Thompson on August 8th, 2020 at 65 years of age. Keven was born in Melita, Manitoba on September 27th, 1954, the 2nd of 6 children to Art and Audrey Thompson. Raised in Melita, he grew up working many odd jobs before and after school. Some of his unique jobs were chasing crows from Cliff Sterling's garden with his brother Doug, cleaning Walter's Pool Hall and having a registered trapline from which he sold his furs to Charlie Carels. He even spent a summer planting trees in British Columbia with his good friend Ellwyn. Given the opportunity to work for Russell’s Electric in 1974, Keven was introduced to his true calling and completed his apprenticeship to achieve his Journeyman’s License in 1978. The following year, he moved to Calgary to continue his career as an Electrician. In 1981, he married his longtime girlfriend Barb Freeman and in 1983 they moved back to Melita to resume his career at Russell’s Electric. Soon after, they welcomed Jana-Lee (1984) and Lance (1987). Upon Bill Russell’s retirement, Keven established Westman Electric in 1995. He was an extremely hard worker throughout his career and was a positive guide in the lives of many of the young men whom he employed. Not one for the spotlight, he quietly provided a helping hand both physically and financially to individuals and organizations in the community through his trade. Keven's most prized role would come in 2014 when he became known as Grandpa Kev. His five grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was not a typical grandpa. He showed his love in unique ways, teasing and spoiling them. His patience was admirable. Keven was known for his sense of humor which came quick and often! He had a nickname for everyone, and his many sayings were legendary among family. He loved animals. He welcomed many into his home and shop, most recent being his favorite shop cat, Starvin Marvin. Most people would be surprised to learn that his latest taste in music was Celtic and that he recently met his celebrity crush Pattie Lovett Reid. His decision to retire had him slowly selling off his business, while continuing to work when he could under the new owner, R.A.C.E. Electric. There wasn’t much down time, as travel and family filled the remainder of his time. We are grateful that we had so much time together in the last couple of years and will cherish these memories always. True to his trade and humor, Keven would often say, when my time on earth is done, “Turn out the lights, the party’s over”. He is survived by his wife, Barb (Freeman); daughter, Jana-Lee (Rob) Golinski; son, Lance (Mallory) Thompson; five grandchildren, Theo, Ladd, Brielle, Lexa, and Remi; five siblings, Doug, Deb, Ron, Shawn, and Calvin. In keeping with Keven’s wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. Donations can be made in his honor to Melita Banana Days via e-transfer to melitabananadays@gmail.com or mailed to Box 743, Melita, Manitoba, R0M 1L0.Messages of condolence may be placed at www.redpathfuneralhome.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 22, 2020