Thomson Smillie Obituary

SMILLIE, THOMSON, 71, of Louisville, died at home on Saturday January 18, 2014, surrounded by his family.

Thomson was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1942, the second child of John and Mary (Thomson) Smillie, and graduated from Hillhead High School and the University of Glasgow. His lifelong career in the arts began in the 1960s at the newly-founded Scottish Opera. After five years as artistic director of the Wexford Festival in Ireland, he served as general manager of the Opera Company of Boston before settling in Louisville in 1981 as general director of the Kentucky Opera, a position he held until 1997.

In his later years, he launched a second career and garnered an international reputation as a stage director, writer and speaker on arts and history. He was known and loved by many the world over for his wide-ranging knowledge, wit and warmth. He traveled joyfully and extensively, lecturing on cruise ships, visiting every continent except Antarctica.

Thomson is survived by his wife, Marilyn Meredith; four children, Jane Brown (Bill), Jonathan (Jennifer), Julia (Chris Carey) and David; four beloved grandchildren, Will, Jennifer, Rebecca and Olivia; and Marilyn's children Jack Meredith (Shelley), Joe Meredith (Nancy), Meg Meredith and Katie McCullum (Troy); her grandchildren Oliver, Madison, Ashley, Lauren, Cooper, Alex and Ellie; his brother Campbell (Alison) and brother-in-law, Douglas Pringle. His first wife Anne predeceased him in 2003.

A memorial Mass will be held at the Cathedral of the Assumption on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. followed by a celebration of his life and career to be held at the Brown Theatre, 315 W. Broadway at 3:30 p.m. Reception at the theatre is immediately following the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Kentucky Opera's Thomson Smillie Fund for Artistic Excellence or to Hosparus of Louisville.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Courier-Journal from Jan. 21 to Jan. 23, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomson Smillie

Sponsored by The Smillie Family.

8 Entries

Howard

January 23, 2014

A native of Louisville, former chorus member of Ky Opera, living in Rome, Italy, Thomson invited me to come as a principal artist in Rigoletto. He organised Tv and radio interviews. The reviews were excellent. I shall always cherish the memory of my return there in a major role, the casting, promotion, and the kind rapport with Thomson. I read the news of his demise late as I have been performing, and still living in Rome. On the internet a wonderful biography appeared in the Scottish newspaper. I wish to extend my heart felt condolences to his family, the city and Arts community of Louisville, all the opera theatres where he added outstanding professional competence.
Howard Ray

John Austin Clark

January 23, 2014

Thomson, Bourbon Baroque is playing French Baroque for you today! (sans puppets) :)

Jim & Marian McClellan

January 22, 2014

We offer our most sincere sympathy to all the family members. His spirt will remain in our memories.

John Clark

January 22, 2014

Thomson was incredibly observant, intuitive, engaging and warm to those who were lucky enough to know him. His whit and humor drew folks together in wonderful ways that we all must emulate. A beautuiful man and teacher. He will be missed.

Cathy Hinko

January 21, 2014

When I moved here in 1983, Thompson was teaching a course in the current season of the opera and he did so for several years. What a blessing and how innovative! It helped a person who was not a musician hear opera with much more depth. Thompson did not sneer at people like me but brought us along! I was lucky to have run into him in the last year in line at the post office and I was able to tell him how much those courses meant-what an invitation to make opera accessible

Melissa Mershon

January 21, 2014

Thompson was a joy to all around him. It was my pleasure to work with him on Arts issues and with the Festival of Faiths. Everyone loved his beautiful accent and his kind and gentle demeanor. He gave so much to our community. I hope he knew how much he was loved. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

J. Harvey Allen

January 21, 2014

Thomson served on the board of L'Alliance Francaise de Louisville. His candor was refreshing. It was an honor to sit next to him. His international perspective on the arts (and their funding) made an impression that will always be remembered.

John Duffus

January 21, 2014

Thomson - you were my dearest friend for nearly five decades. I will miss you more than words can convey. At the same time I will cherish the memory of so many happy and joyous times spent together in various parts of the world, often in the company of your wonderful family. To Marilyn, Jane, Jonathan, Julia and David and their families, I extend my love and my deepest sympathy.

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