Obituary of Robert "Bob" Alexander Thompson

THOMPSON: Robert Alexander Goodbye to an amazing Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa, who could wear a gold jacket and top hat like no one else. Bob left us before dawn on Thursday, January 28 at Ross Memorial Hospital, Lindsay, after a brief illness. He was 94. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 68 years, Ruth, and children, Bill, Murray (Marian), Cherylyn (Dave), and Barry (Paula). He was predeceased by his son Paul (1986). He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Marc, Danielle, Lesley (Laurent), Curtis, Ryan (Kate), Lindsey (Chris), Allison, Elizabeth, Joseph, and Sarah, as well as by his great grandchildren, Brielle, Jack and soon-to-arrive Henley. Survived by several nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Bob led a storied life, beginning as the second youngest of five children raised in Lakehurst, Ontario. As a young man he came to Bobcaygeon to work in construction. He caught the eye of a local girl and in 1947 Bob and Ruth began their married life. They raised five children while each operating several local businesses. Bob’s company, Thompson Crushed Stone and Gravel, provided building materials for many local and provincial road projects. He was known throughout the industry as a man true to his word. Not only did he operate a successful business, Bob became involved in local politics and served as Reeve of Bobcaygeon and warden of the former Victoria County. One of the highlights of this period of his life was a trip to Expo ’70 in Osaka, Japan. While there, he and Ruth met Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau; a dream come true for Bob. As the business wound down, Bob could be seen helping Ruth at her store or running about in a mail Jeep, delivering to rural routes for Canada Post. Each winter for decades, when business quieted down, Bob and Ruth would take the family on vacation to Hawaii. This tradition continued long after the children had grown up and moved on, until they were in their 80s. In spite of such a busy life, Bob always made time for his friends and family, especially his grandchildren. No request was too great. He was always looking for ways to bring a little magic into the lives of the people he loved, whether it was a ride on Joe the pony, a drive in the old Model T during a parade, a zip around the yard on the snowmobile, a pontoon boat tour, or a harrowing trip across the ice on a boat powered by an aircraft engine! We will take out his fancy gold jacket and top hat and listen to some Al Jolson to celebrate a life filled with wonders. Thanks, Dad, for sharing so much with us. Friends and relatives may call at the HENDREN FUNERAL HOMES, MONK CHAPEL, 6 Helen St., Bobcaygeon on Sunday January 31, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A Verulam Lodge #268 A.F. & A.M. Masonic Memorial Service will be held on Sunday at 6:30 PM at the funeral home. A funeral service will be held at Trinity United Church, Bobcaygeon on Monday February 1, 2016 at 1:00 PM. Interment Verulam Cemetery, Spring 2016. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall of the church. Memorial donations may be made to Trinity United Church or Pinecrest Nursing Home Resident’s Fund as expressions of sympathy. Friends may send condolences or make donations by contacting the funeral home at www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 705-738-3222.