Obituary of John Alfred Palmer Thomson
THOMSON, John (Jack) Alfred Palmer
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret'd)
June 22, 1929 - October 13, 2019
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jack Thomson at Kingston General Hospital on October 13, 2019 at the age of 90. Born in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, Jack moved to Canada at the tender age of four months with his parents, the late John and Ellen Thomson. He grew up in Ottawa, Ontario alongside his sister, Eleanor.
Jack was predeceased in 2007 by his beloved wife of 58 years, Diana Gertrude Fry. A true love story, Jack and Diana were married at 19 in Ottawa, Ontario and had four children, David, Jane, Martha and Anthony. Jack is also predeceased by his two adoring daughters, Jane (2016) and Martha (2010). In the years since Diana's passing, Jack had the good fortune of having Frances (Frankie) Reader as his loving companion.
A retired Lieutenant Colonel, Jack was a World War II Veteran, who was posted to several North American locations, as well as serving in Egypt, Vietnam and Kashmir on United Nations missions. After his retirement from the military, Jack went into the automobile import/export business in Seattle, Washington, with his brother-in-law Ben. Following that, he moved to Kingston and became Executive Director of the Canadian Red Cross, and finished his career starting a family-run business, Cedar Island Sales and Service Ltd. Working alongside his children in the business, Jack was also very fond of his 'other' daughter, Wendy Bryant (Stuart), who was devoted to the family and always 'held the fort' at Cedar Island Sales.
Jack's hobbies included boxing and hockey in his early years and, most significantly, golf throughout his entire life. He especially loved his games with the W.A.G.G. (Wednesday Afternoon Golf Guys) group at the Cataraqui Golf and Country Club. He always looked forward to his annual golf trips to Myrtle Beach and Pinehurst with his son Anthony and friends, the late John Smith and Dr. Steven Black. After his years of service, he remained connected to the military and was very involved and influential in the building and operation of the Communications and Electronics Museum of Kingston.
Jack is survived by his partner Frances, sons David (Karen) and Anthony (Martha), his sister Eleanor and niece Jane Berry-Blanar (Patrick). Forever cherished as the best Grandad ever by his grandchildren Ashley Brooks (Kevin), Jenna Veld (Doug), Jeffrey Thomson (Live), Alexandra Oldford (Rudy) and Emily Thomson. Jack also adored his great grandchildren, Nathan, Oliver, McKinley and Quinlyn. He will be fondly remembered by his sister-in-law Cynthia Mabus, brother-in-law Ben Mabus (Polly) and their children Victoria, Emily (Dean) and Matthew (Ryan). He also leaves behind his great nephews and niece, Duncan and Gabe Clarke, and Margo Fraser. In the past several years, Jack was pleased to become part of the Reader family including Frankie's children, Leslie Dupre (Cam), Kelly Laforest (Brian) and their children Alex, Sydra and Chloe.
Jack lived life to its fullest. He was devoted to his family, kind and generous to his friends and he always started each morning with his daily mantra … 'look out world, here I come'. He will be greatly missed by those whose lives he touched and loved him so dearly.
A heartfelt thanks to all the medical team at Kingston General Hospital for their excellent care, and in particular, to Petya Mineva whose kindness did not go unnoticed. A private family ceremony will be held for immediate family with a celebration of life to be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of donation to the Communications and Electronics Museum Foundation, Kingston. https://www.candemuseum.org/monetary-donation. Online condolences may be directed to: www.jamesreidfuneralhome.com.
