William Ronald “Ron” Thompson passed away peacefully on May 6, 2008 at his home at the age of 79 years.
Ron was born January 17, 1929 on the farm at Arrowwood, Alberta to Billy and Leita Thompson. After completing his grade 11 in Arrowwood, Ron completed his grade 12 at Mount Royal College. He continued his education at Olds Agricultural School for one year, finishing his schooling at SAIT. After his schooling Ron married his sweetheart Gail and they took up farming life with his parents on the family farm.
Through the years Ron was involved with many organizations, including Junior UFA, the Masons and UGG. He was a 4-H leader for many years and was also on the Board of the Alberta Charolais Association. Ron was a lifetime farmer and loved all aspects of it, including raising cattle and fine tuning his herd. His cattle were all named and most needed their daily back scratch.
Ron had a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a distinctive laugh. He remained a boy at heart and loved joking around with his family and friends. Ron loved and was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, taking a keen interest in all of their lives.
Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years Gail, two sons Bob (Karen), Gord (Twyla), two daughters Deb (Jim), Marj (Dan), six grandchilden Jeff (Grace), Michael (Leah), Chris (Emily), Justin, Cassie and Braden, three great grandchildren Clay, Brody and Austin, sister Kay (Terry) Oldford, brother-in-law David Gillanders and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ron was predeceased by his brother Bobby, his parents Billy and Leita, four nephews David, Terry and Robert Oldford, Andy Gillanders, brother-in-law Jim Gillanders, sister-in-law Gloria Gillanders and father and mother-in-law Ken and Sicily Gillanders.
Funeral service was held Friday, May 9, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. at Arrowwood United Church with Sue MacDonald D.M. officiating.
Interment Arrowwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, tributes in Ron’s memory can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, NWT and Nunavut, 100, 119 – 14 Street NW, Calgary, T2N 1Z6.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.