Obituary of George Arthur Thompson

At his final train stop, George (Bud) Arthur Thompson departed this world after 92 years being loved dearly by his wife, Geneva (George) of 67 years, sons Stephen and David (Linda), and Teri Thompson-Ryan (Darrell), who he embraced as a daughter. He passes on his caring legacy including the “Irish gift of gab” to grandchildren Christopher Thompson (predeceased Patrick Thompson) and Tricia Cooke (Mike) both of Barrie, Abbey Thompson and Josh Bradford (Jessica), and Jessica Shanahan of Goulais River. As well onto his great-grandchildren Kyha, Rius, Ronan Cooke of Barrie, Alyssa Charleston of Keswick, Nora Bradford of North Bay, and Carter Shanahan of Goulais River. He will be greatly missed by his nephews Dale (Judy) Simms and Stephen Collins (Ottawa), nieces Ann Hewitt and Jennifer Robert (Sault Ste. Marie), Kathleen Collins (Victoria Island). Bud is the last of his generation being predeceased by his parents George and Edith (Runciman) Thompson, Aunt Alva Runciman, and sisters Eleanor, Joan and Ruth and nephew Mitchell Simms. He is lovingly remembered by many in-laws from the George and Fearon families who adopted him as one of their own, especially Frank, Betty, Laurie, John, Bill, Terry and god daughter Kim Kivimaki. Bud, a nickname given to him at birth by a nurse who thought he looked like a rosebud, returned as WWII veteran to North Bay to work and retire after 43 years with C.P.R./VIA as a brakeman, trainman and conductor. As part of the family tradition (he really wanted to be an accountant), he was a by the book and respected railroader who experienced the transition from steam to diesel locomotion that included surviving a fatal train accident. As a faithful member of Trinity United Church, Bud was a tireless volunteer that extended into his roles as Secretary Treasurer for the Manitou Conference, Bible Society, North Bay and District Stroke and Fitness Club, National Model Railroading, Member of Legion Branch 23 and other community groups including as a Director of the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame. Also, he was one of the original builders of the Heritage Railway where he proudly wore his conductor uniform to entertain the many young riders. Bud was very involved in sports including being a youth baseball umpire for many years, a bowler and an avid golfer at Pinewood Park where he scored a hole in one. For those who remember playing shinny hockey on the Thompson backyard rink it was Bud who built and watered it while not working on the road so that neighbourhood kids had a chance to learn the game. He was very honoured to be named Peter Handley Friend of Sport recognizing his behind the scenes support for local sports. But Bud’s greatest passion was talking/watching sports including baseball and hockey most notably the Blue Jays and recently the Battalion. You knew that Bud was in the Gardens especially if there was a bad call by the referee which is something he naturally inherited from his mom. Born ahead of his time, Bud was fascinated by gadgets and technology including being on Facebook. If you wanted to know the daily weather forecast, Bud was ready with the print out. What can be said of a marriage of 67 years that endured the trials and tribulations of life. No marriage is perfect but mom and dad proved that it’s about love and forgiveness that has set the standard for future generations. Over those years, the Thompson’s have travelled the world and made new friends wherever they went. The memories of those places and people through those travels have been priceless and beyond. He passes the torch to the next generation of Thompson’s to remember the pride of our Irish roots. Many sincere thanks over the years to Dr. Andrews and especially to Dr. Wendy Graham who kept Bud alive including countless house calls that went beyond the call of duty. Her devotion is unforgettable. To the caring staff at the North Bay Regional Health Centre and most recently, to the phenomenal PHARA staff who made Bud’s remaining time a peaceful passage. A very special and loving thank you to Teri and Terry for their devoted caring of Geneva during Bud’s final months. Also, to the Trinity family who have taken their turns spending time with Bud and returning the same friendship that he shared with many others over the years. George (Bud) Thompson will be remembered as a kind and caring soul who loved his family and community that he lived in for over 92 years. His unforgettable voice as he often recalled on his unwavering knowledge of heritage, friends, and family will be missed in his passing. But his unconditional love that made everyone feel welcome will live on as his legacy. The celebration of George’s long life will take place Wednesday, June 21 at Trinity United Church with visitation 1-2 pm and service starting at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, we know Bud would prefer any donations to Trinity United or the North Bay & District Cardiac Fitness Club. FYI, Bud did not like wearing black to funerals!