Christopher David THOMPSON

1937 - 2024

We are sad to announce the death of Christopher David Thompson of Toronto, aged 86, at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital on Saturday August 3, 2024, after a 12-week struggle with a bacterial infection. He is survived by his wife Maija, children Mark (married to Ann) and Joanne (married to Sylvain), and his grandchildren Henry and Jane. He was predeceased by a third child, Neil, in 1995. Chris was born in Liverpool, England on August 13, 1937, the youngest of three sons of Thomas and Florence Thompson. He graduated from Civil Engineering at St. John's College at Cambridge University before immigrating to Canada in 1959. In 1962, Chris married his beloved wife of 62 years, Maija Thompson (nee Kimenis) in Ottawa. Shortly afterward, they left on a one-year honeymoon trip around the world, which cemented Chris's affection for his bride and would inspire his later love of travelling. Upon returning from their trip, Chris obtained his Master's degree from The University of Western Ontario, specializing in Geotechnical Engineering. Chris's civil engineering career spanned 64 years, from the time he took his first engineering job with De Leuw Cather (Delcan) in Ottawa in 1959 to his retirement from part-time work with engineering firm EXP (formerly Trow) in 2023 at the age of 85. Along the way, he was instrumental in helping his engineering mentor Bill Trow grow his company, where Chris ascended to the roles of President and then Board Chairman. In 1986, Chris was elected President of the Canadian Society of Civil Engineers. From 1977 to 2015, Chris and Maija kept a rural residence in King City, Ontario, where Chris worked diligently in the garden each weekend. Fondly remembered by family and visitors, their garden was filled with sculptures and their house with paintings, many which had been collected during their trips abroad. Chris's legendary cocktails, with which he confounded his guests, must not be forgotten, nor his love of gourmet food. Avid supporters of the arts, Chris and Maija patronized the Toronto Opera Company, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, concerts at Koerner Hall, and Soulpepper Theatre. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 12th, at 11:00 a.m. at Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel Ltd., 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville). Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com