JOHN ANDREW (JACK) THOMPSON

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JOHN ANDREW (JACK) THOMPSON September 30, 1919 - October 5, 2005 On October 5, 2005, Jack Thompson passed away at the St. Boniface Hospital after a one year illness with cancer. He was 86 years old. Jack is survived by his wife Joan, with whom he shared a marvellous 54 year marriage and by his son Tom, daughter-in-law Linda and his precious grandsons, Paul and Eric, all of Eagan, MN. He is also survived by his sister Dorothy Burk of Shoal Lake, MB and by a number of loving relatives throughout Canada, including sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, Andrew and Bella Thompson and by his brothers, Stewart and Donald Thompson. All of his relatives were very dear to him. Jack was born in Shoal Lake in 1919 and he remained there until he joined the Canadian Army in 1940. He completed his formal education in Shoal Lake and he supported his family by working as a baker and an undertaker's assistant. During the Second World War, Jack served with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles for five years, attaining the rank of sergeant. He fought in the D-Day invasion and in the Normandy liberation and was wounded in action during the battle of Carpiquet Airport. Although modest about his military exploits, he received citations for initiative and bravery. Jack attended the 60th anniversary celebrations of the liberation of Normandy in 2004. He was awarded a freedom medal by the Government of France. After the war, Jack moved to Winnipeg where he spent the rest of his life. He worked at Deer Lodge Hospital for 39 years from 1945 until his retirement in 1984. He started working in the stores and later switched to the personnel department, where he was a personnel officer for many years. Jack married Joan Smith in 1951 and they established residence in St. James in 1952. They raised their newborn son Tom in St. James and both made a tremendous contribution to community life. Jack served on the Board of Directors of Deer Lodge Community Centre for more than 40 years, including a term as President. He also served on the Community Club Council of St. James as well as the Recreation Commission. He was President of the Home and School Committee of Linwood Elementary School. Baseball was his special passion. He coached minor baseball in St James during the time that his son was playing. He later became President of the Greater Winnipeg Minor Baseball Association, President of Baseball Manitoba and an executive member of Baseball Canada. He scouted for the Kansas City Royals and the Los Angeles Dodgers. During recent years, he became known as the voice of baseball in Manitoba. Using his own equipment, he was the public address announcer of many Manitoba Junior Baseball League games and a number of national championship tournaments throughout Manitoba. Jack received volunteer service awards from the City of Winnipeg and the Government of Canada. He was named to the Honour Society of the Manitoba Baseball Association and, in 2004, was inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame as a builder. He was also honoured with a life membership by the Liberal Party of Canada. Jack loved people and he had a remarkable passion for life. His unique spirit will be sorely missed by his family and friends and by the community. His work ethic, sense of humour and good nature lifted the spirits of those around him and his presence seemed to make every situation just a little bit better. Jack's family would like to thank all of the medical personnel who were so efficient and so kind to him during the past year. This includes the staff at the Grace Hospital, St. Boniface Hospital and the Palliative Care program of Manitoba, with special thanks to the home care nurses who were so devoted to his care. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so desire, contributions may be made in Jack's memory to Cancercare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9. Cremation will be followed by a private family interment. A memorial service will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. on Tuesday, October 11 at 3:00 p.m., with reception to follow. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND RECEPTION CENTRE 885-9715

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 07, 2005