THOMPSON OWENS

Condolences & Memories (25 entries)

• Warning: This tribute contains misty-eyed reflections from a middle-aged former student who never quite made it as a novelist. Reading this reflection may lead to warm and fuzzy feelings deep down in your tummy. I Remember Mr Owens was my homeroom teacher in grade 9 back in 1986-87. He was also my English teacher in grades 7-9. I'm not sure why Mr Owens thought I had a gift for English, but whatever his reason, he took me aside and tried to nurture that gift. Because of him, I was given a chance to pursue creative writing and theatre, and meet other students who shared that interest. I remember how mad we made him when we performed a sketch that involved a whoopie cushion and fake dog do. Although he was yelling, I'm sure deep down he appreciated our adolescent sense of humor. I remember when I wrote my first haiku for him and he read my contribution aloud to the class. I am still proud of that poem today. He told me once to read Ogden Nash because he said my writing style was similar. I'm still not sure if that was a compliment. He let us have free reign to write the great Canadian play in our last year at that school. For lots of silly reasons, it didn't work out. Looking back, I think he was more disappointed than we were. Through it all, he treated us with respect and like we had something important to express. I regret that I lost touch with him after he went to China to teach. But I won't forget the time I spent with Mr. Owens and I won't forget that he believed in me and did his very best to help me succeed. - Posted by: Woody Scarecrow (Former Student) on: Oct 11, 2013

• Mr. Owens was my eighth grade English teacher - I'm now 33 so this would have been 1993 or 94. I'm completely certain I wouldn't be the person I am now without his encouragement. He made me understand that I could have a life in words, maybe even a good life. I'm so sad to read of his passing. I had really hoped to see him again one day and talk books. Deep condolences to his family. - Posted by: Anna Leventhal (Student) on: Aug 14, 2013

• Grew up one street over from Thompson on Manhattan. It's the late sixties and I'm not sure what profession to enter. I overhear Thompson talking about a paper he's written at university and they are publishing it in the school newspaper. He talks glowingly of going into teaching and I decide to enter the profession as well. Thirty-three years later I retire from the Winnipeg School Division. I've had the distinct pleasure of working on a number of committees and research groups with Thompson. He's a great guy who will be missed by all he touched. Many have mentioned his quirky sense of humor. Just before we retire, I ask him how he's preparing for life after teaching. He says he has his catch-phrase down. "Will that be fries with your hamburger?" R. Spelmer - Posted by: Rodger (Spelmer) on: Apr 22, 2013

• I will always cherish the knowledge you shared. - Posted by: Audrey Dysart (Fellow Educator) on: Apr 03, 2013

• I knew Thompson at university; we were in a couple of classes together. Then afterwards (1968) we bicycled around the Gaspe Peninsula in Quebec. One summer we went on a fabulous canoe-trip up the Bird River system with an old professor friend from Britain. Thompson was a fine, fine man; always the brainiac, but with his heart firmly placed in the inner-city that he came from. A mentor; I admired the crazy old fart for many years; He taught me more about teaching than I thought possible. Lost touch with him over the last ten years or so. What a loss. Peter Johnson - Posted by: Peter Johnson (Good, old friend form university days) on: Apr 02, 2013

• Thompson was an amazing mentor and his philosophy will forever guide me in my practice as an educator. He knew how to recognize the best in people and his very presence called upon us to be at our very best. My condolences to the Owens family, Thompson you will be dearly missed. - Posted by: Chantal Phaneuf (Learner ) on: Apr 02, 2013

• Thompson was an amazing man. He challenged one to think and reflect. He was an interesting man who loved to share his passion for life and learning. His presence will be missed. My heartfelt condolences to his family who meant so much to him. - Posted by: Sandra Buckberger (Colleague) on: Apr 01, 2013

• Thompson had a distinct way with words and he helped me think and learn about myself as an educator and as a human being. He truly was an inspiration! I consider myself one of the lucky ones - Posted by: Cheryl Ottenbreit (Student/mentee) on: Mar 31, 2013

• The day we moved into our house, Thompson arrived at our back door with a bottle of wine. It's label read, "Paradise." He said, "I don't know if this wine is any good, but it speaks the truth. Welcome to paradise." And indeed we have come to paradise; not because of the yard or the house, but because of the people that live in the park. We will miss Thompson greatly. - Posted by: Jodi Carmichael (Neighbour) on: Mar 30, 2013

• My deepest condolences to Thompson's family. I am one of many fortunate teachers who had the opportunity to work with and be mentored by Thompson. His insight, wisdom, and encouragement inspired many of us, and he will be deeply missed. - Posted by: Kelly Friesen (colleague) on: Mar 29, 2013

• Thompson was a mentor and while I haven't worked with him in the past couple years I continue to wonder what he would ask or think. My condolences to Audrey, Kyle and Neil. - Posted by: Moira Bauer () on: Mar 29, 2013

• My deepest condolences to the family. One of my memories,I spent a summer baby sitting Tom and his brothers.Lots of fun and many laughs.He grew up to be a wonderful man.Rest in peace. - Posted by: Corrinne Mayo (Cousin) on: Mar 29, 2013

• Mr. Owens was a remarkable teacher. He was deeply passionate about learning and he provided countless opportunities for success to his students. I loved being in his class and learning about Ancient Civilizations was one of the highlights of my grade eight year. He gave us the chance to really immerse ourselves in the subject matter so that we could better appreciate the incredible journey that humanity has travelled through time. He was definitely one of the favourite teachers amongst those of us who were the first graduates of Meadows West and that was even more evident when we were able to attend the reunion last May. It was wonderful to see him again and "talk shop" as I am now finishing my education degree. He was just a wealth of knowledge and a fascinating man to be in the presence of. I feel blessed that I was able to be one of his students. My heart and prayers are with his wife and family. - Posted by: Anita Van Kats (former student) on: Mar 29, 2013

• I had the great fortune to work with Thompson and to be taught by him as an adult learner; he was truly one of those people who raised the bar for everyone around him, not only professionally but personally as well. He easily had the quirkiest sense of humour I have ever come across, but it was so hilarious and disarming that it worked like a magical elixir upon the most curmudgeonly amongst us. I always looked forward to when I would get to see him next. His pride in Audrey, Kyle and Neil were omnipresent from the time I first met him, and taught me a lot about being a husband and father; my sincerest condolences to the three of you and your extended family. - Posted by: Daniel Benot (Friend and colleague) on: Mar 29, 2013

• In the few years I have known Thompson as a fellow member of Les Gens du Bois carving club I came to appreciate his enthusiasm,and his sometimes quirky sense of humor. In his roll of club president he never used the work I and was quick to praise the efforts and talents of others. On behalf of our club I offer our most sincere condolences to his family. - Posted by: Larry Weselake (Friend) on: Mar 29, 2013

• Our deepest condolences to the Owens family. We are extremely saddened to hear of Thompsons' passing. Our favourite memory is celebrating Chinese New Year by getting together with Brian, Jutta, Audrey and Thompson and other friends for a wonderful banquet dinner. With our deepest sympathy, Nancy and Terry. - Posted by: Nancy Pan and Terry wong (Family friends) on: Mar 28, 2013

• I was shocked and so saddened to read of Thompson's passing. He was a bright and delightful man, and I so enjoyed our lunches together. We shared our professional work, laughed, and learned a little more about each other every time we got together. I will miss him. My thoughts go out to his family. He spoke so highly of Audrey, his boys, and his brothers/extended family. - Posted by: Jennifer Lawson (Friend and colleague) on: Mar 27, 2013

• I was shocked and so saddened to read if thom - Posted by: Jennifer Lawson (Friend and colleague) on: Mar 27, 2013

• My sincere condolences to the family. As the neighbour across the street I remember, along with many other boys, going on Saturdays to sit in Thompson, Mark, and Brian's living room to watch Horse Opera. The Owens were first to get a black and white TV. It was kind of Thompson to come to my father's funeral 5 years ago and great to meet up with him again. This is sad news. - Posted by: Tom Ritchie (Friend/Neighbour from years ago.) on: Mar 27, 2013

• The world has lost one the most amazing people we have ever known. We will miss Thompson so much. Much love to all of you during this very sad & difficult time. Godspeed Thompson. Love, Lori & Brian - Posted by: Lori & Brian Dennis (Family) on: Mar 27, 2013

• Our most heartfelt condolences. Being Thompson's neighbour has truly been a privilege. His kind words and advice over the years have shaped our lives and influenced the way we think of the world. The memories of our kids helping Thompson in the garden, visits in the yard and talking about the projects on the go will live on. Thank you Thompson for everything you've given us. - Posted by: The Brauns (Friends and Neighbour) on: Mar 27, 2013

• I worked with Thompson for a number of years. I so enjoyed our talks- his stories, his questions, his interesting looks. I remember his honesty, his kindness and his love for popcorn. Though I hadn't seen him for awhile, I always found myself asking "what would Thompson think?" My sincerest condolences to Audrey, Kyle and Neil. - Posted by: Terri Warner (Colleague and friend) on: Mar 27, 2013

• Sorry to hear of Thompson's passing. I played many games of hockey/football with Thompson at East Elmwood. My deepest condolences to his family. - Posted by: Don Banks (old friend from Elmwood) on: Mar 27, 2013

• My deepest condolences to the family. Thompson was such a wonderful person to teach with, he enjoyed everything and everybody. His stories of teaching in Asia were entertaining. He will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Carolyn Lumsden (Fellow teacher) on: Mar 27, 2013

• Such a shock when hearing of Tom's passing. Far too young. Growing up in the fifties on Beach Avenue in Elmwood, we lived across the street from each other and were childhood friends. One of my fondest memories of Tom, as corny as it may sound, was back in 1960 sitting in the family garage on a hot summers day reading Mad magazines and laughing our heads off. That memory has never left me, along with many others. Rest in peace Tom. Until we meet again. Ron. - Posted by: Ron Campbell (Friend/Neighbour from years ago.) on: Mar 27, 2013