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JOHN THOMSON Obituary
John William Thomson passed away peacefully, on January 9, 2025, at the age of 96. Predeceased by his beloved wife, Joan Thomson (née McFarlane). John was a tenacious, compassionate and driven man, who dedicated his life to family, community, and making a meaningful difference in the world.
"Good fortune smiled on me in many ways. I had an extraordinary education, enduring friendships, a rewarding business career, was blessed with five wonderful children, and above all, the marriage to my anchor and best friend, Joan."
Born in Toronto, Ontario, to Dorothy and William Thomson, John grew up during the Great Depression while his father struggled to support the family. Alongside his sister, Mary-Louise, John was raised by his mother ("Mum") and devoted maternal grandmother ("Moma"), whose wisdom and love deeply shaped his character.
John's tenacity and determination showed early when he earned a scholarship to the University of Toronto Schools (UTS) in 1937. There, he forged lifelong friendships that would support and inspire him throughout his journey. He later achieved his Chartered Accountant designation through Queen's University while apprenticing at Clarkson Gordon and working summers as a bellhop in St. Andrews by the Sea, NB.
In 1955, John moved to Calgary, where his life truly began to flourish. At a wedding reception, he spotted Joan McFarlane and declared, "I'm going to marry that girl." Seven weeks later, he proposed, beginning a remarkable 68-year partnership filled with love, adventure, and shared purpose.
John's professional life was marked by extraordinary achievements. In 1965, he founded Thomson Drilling, growing the company into a major international success. His entrepreneurial spirit was matched by a deep commitment to his country. When the National Energy Program created challenges for Alberta's energy sector, John transitioned to public service, becoming the Conservative MP for Calgary South in 1978. In Ottawa, he worked tirelessly to make a positive impact, earning respect across party lines for his integrity and vision.
Throughout his life, John valued the blessings of family. Whether at their cabin on Sylvan Lake - where he planted hundreds of pink petunias and enjoyed countless games of "Oh Hell" - or hosting Christmases in Maui, John found his greatest joy in the love and laughter of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
An athlete at heart, John found peace and camaraderie on the golf course, often shooting his age in his 70s. Whether at Calgary Golf and Country Club, the Royal Ottawa Golf Club, or Wailea Golf Course in Maui, John's love for the game was matched only by the friendships it fostered. He also shared his passion for fishing with his family, creating cherished memories on the Grand Cascapedia, Pennask Lake, and the Christmas Islands.
John's generosity knew no bounds. He and Joan co-founded the Julia McFarlane Diabetes Research Centre at the University of Calgary in 1979, and later gifted the Thomson Family Community Park in Calgary's Beltline. These lasting contributions reflect their belief in giving back to the community that shaped their lives.
John is survived by his sister, Mary-Louise Griffiths; his children, Jeffery (Connie), Hugh (Krista), Ian (Lisa), Andrew (Lesley), and Julia; 12 grandchildren, Lyn, Jennifer, Chelsea, John-Eric, Taggart, Byron, Benjamin, Jessica, Sarah, Nigel, Hunter, and Emma; and 10 great-grandchildren.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to his dedicated caregivers, and Lyn McManus for her exceptional care and compassion in John's later years.
John Thomson was a force of nature - tenacious, generous, and full of life. His legacy endures in the lives he touched, the community he served, and the love of his family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation towards a cure for Type 1 Diabetes at breakthrought1d.ca/thomson. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church, 1009, 15th Avenue SW. You can livestream the Celebration of Life at: https://youtube.com/live/nuhI-tHcXUc?feature=share
"Good fortune smiled on me in many ways. I had an extraordinary education, enduring friendships, a rewarding business career, was blessed with five wonderful children, and above all, the marriage to my anchor and best friend, Joan."
Born in Toronto, Ontario, to Dorothy and William Thomson, John grew up during the Great Depression while his father struggled to support the family. Alongside his sister, Mary-Louise, John was raised by his mother ("Mum") and devoted maternal grandmother ("Moma"), whose wisdom and love deeply shaped his character.
John's tenacity and determination showed early when he earned a scholarship to the University of Toronto Schools (UTS) in 1937. There, he forged lifelong friendships that would support and inspire him throughout his journey. He later achieved his Chartered Accountant designation through Queen's University while apprenticing at Clarkson Gordon and working summers as a bellhop in St. Andrews by the Sea, NB.
In 1955, John moved to Calgary, where his life truly began to flourish. At a wedding reception, he spotted Joan McFarlane and declared, "I'm going to marry that girl." Seven weeks later, he proposed, beginning a remarkable 68-year partnership filled with love, adventure, and shared purpose.
John's professional life was marked by extraordinary achievements. In 1965, he founded Thomson Drilling, growing the company into a major international success. His entrepreneurial spirit was matched by a deep commitment to his country. When the National Energy Program created challenges for Alberta's energy sector, John transitioned to public service, becoming the Conservative MP for Calgary South in 1978. In Ottawa, he worked tirelessly to make a positive impact, earning respect across party lines for his integrity and vision.
Throughout his life, John valued the blessings of family. Whether at their cabin on Sylvan Lake - where he planted hundreds of pink petunias and enjoyed countless games of "Oh Hell" - or hosting Christmases in Maui, John found his greatest joy in the love and laughter of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
An athlete at heart, John found peace and camaraderie on the golf course, often shooting his age in his 70s. Whether at Calgary Golf and Country Club, the Royal Ottawa Golf Club, or Wailea Golf Course in Maui, John's love for the game was matched only by the friendships it fostered. He also shared his passion for fishing with his family, creating cherished memories on the Grand Cascapedia, Pennask Lake, and the Christmas Islands.
John's generosity knew no bounds. He and Joan co-founded the Julia McFarlane Diabetes Research Centre at the University of Calgary in 1979, and later gifted the Thomson Family Community Park in Calgary's Beltline. These lasting contributions reflect their belief in giving back to the community that shaped their lives.
John is survived by his sister, Mary-Louise Griffiths; his children, Jeffery (Connie), Hugh (Krista), Ian (Lisa), Andrew (Lesley), and Julia; 12 grandchildren, Lyn, Jennifer, Chelsea, John-Eric, Taggart, Byron, Benjamin, Jessica, Sarah, Nigel, Hunter, and Emma; and 10 great-grandchildren.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to his dedicated caregivers, and Lyn McManus for her exceptional care and compassion in John's later years.
John Thomson was a force of nature - tenacious, generous, and full of life. His legacy endures in the lives he touched, the community he served, and the love of his family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation towards a cure for Type 1 Diabetes at breakthrought1d.ca/thomson. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church, 1009, 15th Avenue SW. You can livestream the Celebration of Life at: https://youtube.com/live/nuhI-tHcXUc?feature=share
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by The Globe and Mail from Jan. 13 to Jan. 17, 2025.