Robin Thompson

June 18, 1931 - November 13, 2012 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Robin Thompson following a lengthy and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. Robin was born in Carlisle Cumberland, England June 18, 1931 and immigrated to Thunder Bay in 1947 with his parents and older siblings. He met and married the love and joy of this life, Rose (nee Manduca) on September 13, 1952. They were blessed with two lovely daughters, Darla and Elaine. During Robin's younger years he had various jobs: Chapples in Marathon, Agnew Surpass and Kent Shoe store, where he was offered and accepted a transfer to Burlington, Ontario to open the first Bata store. Once the family was settled in Burlington, Robin became active in social events and initiated and was charter president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce. During his presidency, they won three national first place awards: Outstanding Junior Chamber in Canada, Outstanding Single Project and Membership. In 2006, he travelled to Burlington to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Many of the people he met through the Jaycees have been lifelong friends. In 1959, he returned to Thunder Bay as a Blue Cross representative. In 1960, he was charter president of the Lakehead Toastmasters International. In 1962, he decided to go back to Burlington with the Canada Life Assurance Co. Group Division. This led him to Ottawa, Montreal, Mississauga, and K. G. Brown Associates in Hamilton; winning several awards along the way. In 1982, he returned to Thunder Bay, starting his own consulting business. Robin lived life to the fullest. He loved to fish with his brother George at Shebandowan, he made several trips into Quetico with Ian, Jerry and his buddies. He hunted (only partridge). He loved dancing and good music, he played tennis, curled and boated. He loved to travel and enjoyed trips to England, various countries in Europe, and travelled extensively in Canada and the United States. He had a passion for golf and got the ultimate hole in one on the 15th at Glen Abbey in Oakville. He travelled to Scotland and played St. Andrews, and in 1999 he attended the British Open. He was a member of the Fort William Golf and Country Club until Parkinsons got the better of him. There are many wonderful, funny stories, memories and pictures from his golfing days. Robin was the epitome of a fine English gentleman. He was kind, caring and loving. He instilled in his children the love of the outdoors, the value of hard work, good manners and being kind and generous to others. He loved his grandchildren and spent many summers fishing with them at Shebandowan, spotting animals in the Rockies, braving theme parks in Florida and coaching them in the high finance of picking and selling cherries in Montana. Robin will be sadly missed by his loving wife Rose of 60 years, his daughters Darla Maxwell and Elaine Rutherford; his grandchildren Julia and Donald Maxwell; sisters Mary Southon, Frances Stirrett, brother George and numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws. He was predeceased by his parents Frank and Margaret, sisters Joan Wood and Lillian Bannatyne, sister-in-law Hazel Thompson; brothers-in-law Grant Southon, John Stirrett and Reg Wood. A Funeral Service will be held at Blake Funeral Chapel on Thursday, November 29, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Bert Vancook officiating. Interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers if friends so desire, donations may be made to the Parkinson's Society or the Salvation Army. A tree will be planted in memory of Robin Thompson in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 9, 2013. On-line Condolences may be sent towww.blakefuneralchapel.com "