Brian E. Thomson

Thomson, Brian E.
POESTENKILL - Brian E. Thomson, 81, of Abbey Road, passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Samaritan Hospital, after a long illness, with his family by his side. Born on November 25, 1943, in Dundee, Scotland, to parents Edwin and Elizabeth Thomson. Brian and his family came to the U.S. when he was eight years old, aboard the Queen Elizabeth. The family settled in Springfield, Mass., where Brian was raised and educated. Brian became a U.S. citizen in August of 1962. Brian attended elementary school and Springfield Technical High School, and graduated in 1961. From there, he went on to UMASS receiving his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 1965. He entered the Navy in July 1968, and was honorably discharged in 1970, entering the Reserves. He returned to UMASS where he received his MSME. Moving to Glens Falls in 1971, Brian was a professor in mechanical engineering at Adirondack Community College. In 1975, he moved to North Greenbush, raising his daughter, Jenny, who he was very proud of. In 1974, his career led him to Manning Paper Co., in Green Island, now Lydall. He was director of Environmental, Health & Safety and retired in 2012.
Brian married Shirley in 2011, in Barbados. Together, they enjoyed family, having wonderful parties at their home, traveling to Europe, the Caribbean, Viking River Cruises with friends. Brian's greatest joy was going to Aruba, Cape Cod and visiting his daughter in Raleigh, N.C., and the Emerald Isle. Brian was a longtime member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Troy, where he served in many roles and sang in the choir. He volunteered at TAUM and Habitat for Humanity, contributing to many charities. Brian was active in the Zion's UCC in Taborton, willing to help out whenever possible. Brian enjoyed woodworking projects and was an artist at making cornhole games for friends and family, including his cardiologist, Dr. R. Benton. He enjoyed getting together with his Massachusetts family as often as he could. He loved being with his friends, Dr. Lisa Thorn, Mike, Hanna, Carol and Bill Daniels.
His Love for God was such a part of his every fiber.
Brian was the brother of the late Ian Thomson (Laura).
Survivors include his wife, Shirley Ernst DeCamp; his daughter, Jenny Dobert (Michael) of Raleigh, N.C.; stepchildren, Gregory DeCamp (Jennifer) of Poestenkill, Jeffrey DeCamp (Courtney), Stephanie DeCamp and Ashley McNall (Adam), all of Averill Park; his beloved canines, Max and Mae; mother-in-law, Arline Ernst; his grandchildren, Nathan and Lucas Dobert; along with the DeCamp and McNall grandchildren; and great-grandchildren, the McGrath's and Abdou.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m., on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at St. Johns Episcopal Church, 146 First St., Troy, followed by a funeral service, at 5:00 p.m.
Donations in Brian's memory may be made to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, N.Y. 12204; or St. John's Episcopal Church, 146 First St., Troy 12180; Zion's UCC Taborton, 741 Taborton Road, Sand Lake, N.Y. 12153.
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