Bob passed away peacefully on Nov 17. He is survived by his wife of 64 years (Doris), 3 children Monte (Gail), Rick (Deborah) and Leanne (John), 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

He was born in Eston Saskatchewan on June 1st 1923. His father, Maj. R. B.Thompson MBE OBE, passed away from his war injuries six weeks before Bob was born. The family then moved to Richlea to be with the grandparents and finally moved to Saskatoon in 1925.

Bob joined the RCAF (aircrew) in 1943 and was honorably discharged on medical grounds the following year. He started a career in broadcasting at CFQC, Saskatoon then to CKRM, Regina, CFJC, Kamloops, and arrived in Victoria in 1948 to join the staff of CJVI. In 1951 Bob married Doris Dillabaugh a CJVI announcer and copy writer.

In 1952 Bob was employed by the Ministry of Health and retired 28 years later as Director of Information Services. In his retirement, Bob wrote a book about growing up in the 30s and 40s titled, "Penny Candy, Bobskates and Frozen Roadapples". It was published in 1990 and the back cover carried favourable reviews from Pierre Berton, Farley Mowat and Barry Broadfoot. Mr. Berton has several pages from Bob's manuscript in his tome "The Great Depression".

As a freelance writer Bob was a regular columnist for two prairie tabloids - The Senior and Folklore and he enjoyed writing frequent letters to the Times/Colonist and Macleans. In 1991 Bob organized a monthly luncheon for retired broadcasters. It is still going, although 15 of the charter members have passed away.

Bob and Doris were very proud with what their children had accomplished in their lives and took great pleasure in watching their grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up. They travelled extensively for several years throughout Europe, Scandinavia, the Western States and Hawaii and went on several cruises.

Bob was a gifted author, a champion of causes and an inspiration. He will be missed for his devotion and love of family, and great sense of humor. A special thanks to Eileen and the Beacon Staff, Victorian staff and Dr. Sealey for all they have done for Bob over the years. By his request, a private family Celebration of Life will be held. To leave a condolence please visit www.earthsoption.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times Colonist from Nov. 22 to Nov. 24, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Thompson

3 Entries

Kenneth CRAMB

May 3, 2022

Bob I am 78 in July and live in Campbell River. Over the past two weeks I have read your Wonderful book of Memories. Life re-lived for a brief few evenings. At the end that is what life is made of the concrete of those solid heartfelt walks into the past again. May the next level of life be good for you....

November 24, 2014

Dear Thompson Family:
I was so very surprised and saddened to hear of Bob's passing. Although I knew of his prolonged battle with chronic fatigue he was bright and chipper up until his last day. With Clay Stacey I was one of Bob's daily e-mail buddies. Bob and I go back a long way. Although we weren't in the same grade we were both attending Nutana Collegiate in Saskatoon in 1941 - my first year at NCI and his last year there. We reconnected when I wrote him a note after he published "Penny Candy". With my note I sent him a few stories I had written about growing up in Saskatoon and he immediately wrote back and encouraged me to keep on writing, and so I did. When Bob retired as a columnist for "The Senior" I took over his space and have written a column for the paper since 2009 - and I always give credit to Bob for that wonderful experience. I shall miss our daily contact greatly and wish to extend my deepest sympathy to Doris and all of his loving family.
Love to all, Dick and Jeanette Moody.

Karen Leeson

November 23, 2014

Dear Doris, Monte, Rick, Leanne and family;

I came across these photos of a 5th Militia artillery dress-up party (Bob and Doris in the lower right corner). Our parents met via this group. As well, of course, we went to school with the Thompson boys and often met Bob and Doris shopping in the Shelbourne plaza or other neighbourhood stops over the years. I know Bob will be missed, but that you will cherish all the memories. Sincerely, Karen (Wilson) Leeson

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