Russell Gordon Crompton

1934 - 2023

Nov 1, 1934 – Jan 20, 2023

It is with tremendous sadness that the family announces the passing of Russell Gordon Crompton. He passed away peacefully at TBRHSC after a brief illness with his daughters by his side. A lifelong resident of Thunder Bay, Gordie grew up on Wolseley Street with his mother Flora and his brother Ken. He married Joan Sutton on May 5, 1955. While she raised their three daughters, he continued to work hard and grow his business. He had a larger than life personality who was most well known for having the first Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise in Ontario. It was located on Cumberland Street that everyone knew as Dinty's. Gordie's entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there. Over the years, he was involved in a variety of other businesses. Most notably, The Fourth Dimension, Fitzsimmons, Davey Jones Fish & Chips, Warehouse 500 Grocery Store, Zero 100 Motels, and SASI Spring Water. He loved a challenge and his enthusiasm kept him involved until his final days. His hobbies included politics and he was a true blue Tory. He was an Auctioneer, Town Crier, Gentleman Beef Farmer, The Townline 9 Golf Course Greenskeeper, and a Liquidator. Gordie enjoyed spending time at the Townline Barn which later became Russell Gordon's. In the early years there were flea markets. As his vast collection of local history grew, he enjoyed gatherings to entertain family and friends. Gordie was the ultimate host and was well known for his Halloween, Grey Cup, and election parties among others. His booming, infectious laugh could often be heard before he was seen. Gordie supported many local sporting organizations including baseball, hockey, basketball, curling and ice racing. He was a proud supporter of the Sports Hall of Fame. Predeceased by his mother Flora, his wife of 62 years Joan, brother Ken, and granddaughter Jessica. He will be sadly missed by Donna & Robin Peacock, their family Tyler, Cherie, Rylee & Harper Peacock (Dryden), Dan, Alynne, & Amelia Peacock, Susan & Dale Dubinsky and their family Robbie, Mary, Jackson, & Claire Dubinsky, Andrew, Jessica, Mack & Kyla Dubinsky, Sam and Ryan Aldrich and their family David, Zoryana, Parker & Annabelle Charbonneau and Sara Charbonneau. Gordie is also survived by his sister-in-law Judy Crompton and brother-in-law Bob Sutton as well as nieces, nephews and friends. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, January 30, 2023 at 11am at the Italian Cultural Centre. The service will also be livestreamed via Sargent & Son Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame or the Charity of Your Choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sargent and Son Funeral Home.

“Good Deal”

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