William ‘Bill’ Walter Thomson
May 28, 2015
Died peacefully with his family by his side at London Health Sciences Centre in London, Ontario on May 28, 2015 at the age of 57, after a sudden illness. Survived by his wife and soulmate Gabriele Marie; daughters Kira Maxine and Shauna Jean; sister Dr. Dorothy Jean Thomson; and nieces Lillian Helen Maxine and Claire Alexandra. Bill was predeceased by his father William Alexander (1997) and mother Dorothy Maxine (2011). Bill attended London Central Collegiate, St. John’s Cathedral Boys’ School in Selkirk, MB., and the University of Waterloo (mechanical engineering) and received his MBA from the Ivey Business School, Western. His career included the automotive industry, entrepreneurial businesses, property management, teaching at Fanshawe College and he continued to be involved and supportive of The Ivey Business School. Always willing to give back, Bill was an active volunteer in many organizations in London, including Metropolitan United Church, Byron Optimist Club, Ivey Business School, and The London West Conservative Party. His gentle nature, sense of humour and curiosity about life will be sorely missed by his family, who were the centre of his universe, as well as by his many friends. A loving husband and best friend to Gabriele, and devoted Dad to Kira and Shauna, he was just as proud of his dear sister Dorothy’s daughters, Lillian and Claire. His curiosity meant spectacular travel to exotic destinations around the globe like the Inca trail and Africa, as well as the ski hills and mountain bike paths closer to home. Always active, he loved cycling, skating, deep sea diving, and hiking. Staying active allowed Bill to indulge in his love of fine wine and food and most particularly, ice cream: an addiction he inherited from his Dad. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the London Health Sciences Centre, Critical Care Unit and the many doctors and nurses who provided Bill with such wonderful care. Visitation will be held at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Monday from 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at METROPOLITAN UNITED CHURCH, 468 Wellington Street, London on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the London Health Sciences Centre, Critical Care Unit or London Regional Cancer Centre.
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(Donated to London Regional Cancer Centre)
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(Donated to London Regional Cancer Centre)
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(Donated to London Health Sciences Centre - Critical Care Unit)
Dear Gabriele, I just learned about Bill's passing, which happened almost a year ago now, from Dee, who is a member of a bicycling group I recently joined. I am so shocked by the news, my deepest condolences to you and your girls. I remember Bill fondly, he liked to practice his German with me.
Gabriele, we just heard about your husband and wanted to let you know how deeply sorry we are. We pray that God will give you the strength to see you through this sad and difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your girl’s as well as Dorothy and her girl’s.
I am a friend of Bill's from "The Ski Bus". I had wonderful conversations with Bill. We exchanged parenting and life stories. I want Kira and Shauna to know how proud he was of his 2 daughters. He showed me photos and glowed with pride. Our family send you our sincere condolences.
Gabriele and family, please accept our heartfelt condolences. We were shocked to learn of Bill's passing. We had many fun times with Bill, many years ago. Our thoughts are with you.
Gabriele, Kira and Shauna, While never having the pleasure of meeting you, I feel as if I have thanks to Bill. I will miss our golf games and our lunches. I will miss Bill. He was one in a million. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We would like to express our deepest sympathy to family and friends at this sad time of loss. Joy Pryce, Secretary, Executive Committee of the Fanshawe College Retirees’ Association
Dear Gabriele, Kira and Shauna. Your dear friend Kathy Branton informed us of the passing of your beloved Bill. May you find comfort in knowing that Bill will be missed by his many friends. It is always so very sad when one so young is taken so unexpectedly and I wish you all the strength and guidance you need at this sorrowful time.
To Gabriele, Kira and Shauna and all members of Bill's family and close friends, I am so sorry for your loss. As a former schoolmate of Bill's at St. John's, I can say Bill was always up for the challenge. Bill never complained, condemned or criticized. He just "got things done", with ease and a great sense of humor. I hope you can get some comfort knowing that all of us who attended school with Bill, liked him very much and we'll miss him too. Take good care. Rick McMorran, Class of 74', St. John's
Dear Gabriele, Kira and Shauna...my heart aches for you all..this is so unbelievable and unfair..your beautiful wording of Bill's obituary describes your wonderful husband and father so perfectly. He was such a gentle, kind loving and generous man who loved and lived life fully...he made a huge difference in many lives and I feel so blessed to have been involved with him at in so many activities and to have been able to call him friend... may you feel Gods love and comfort surrounding you and holding you as you journey thru this valley of darkness... I'm sorry Mike and I will miss The celebration of Bill's life as we are on vacation....huge hugs and love to you all. Nanci and Mike Harris
Dear Gabriele, I am very sorry to hear of Bill's sudden passing. He will be missed by his friends at the Optimist Club of Byron for his kindness, witty humour and generosity. I hope In time, the memories of happy family times will give you and your daughters comfort and smiles.
Dear Gabrielle, Kira, Shauna, Dorothy & Family Ann-Marie, Mikaela & I are devastated by the sudden & unexpected passing of Bill, a wonderful loving husband, father & good friend. We'll always remember the euphoria, happiness and lasting bonds of friendship we all felt when we went to pick up our Baby girls in China, and all the great times we had together at the ShenSisters/YangGang reunions over the years. We lost one of our Shmengi Brothers, and he will be sorely missed! God give you and your girls strength during these trying times! All Our Love & Respect.
So sorry for your loss. Bill came across as a level headed person with a concern for others that made me think that he liked sometimes to be a gentle conscience where possible. It was great to be able to spend several days with Bill and most of our grade 12 class last fall. Great sense of humor. He will be missed by those who knew him. Ice cream you say? That was even harder to stop than smoking in my case!
We remember the joy of family get-togethers, the 1-2-3s, the wonderful conversation and the laughter. We are a strong family and will be there in the future to offer whatever support you need.
Dear Gabriele, Kira & Shauna, We are shocked & deeply saddened by Bill's death. We will always remember his kindness, gentleness & quiet laugh. Let's not forget that dry sense of humour! We very much enjoy spending time with all of you. Doug says that watching the Knights play in Budweiser Gardens will never be the same again without Bill in the next seat. He will be genuinely missed. Extending our heartfelt sympathies & prayers during this sad time. Always your friends, Anne, Doug, Rob & Lisa Alexander
Dear Gabriele, Kira and Shauna. Ellen, William, Ian and I send you our deepest sympathies and prayers. We know that Bill is in heaven and in a good place. We wish you God's peace to give you strength to sustain you over the next few months. Love Chris Vyse
Gabriele, Kira and Shauna. We are so very sorry to hear of your terrible loss. We will miss seeing Bill at different events including hockey games.. We are praying that you will feel God's peace in the coming days. Love Kimberley and Wes
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Gabriele and family: I am so very sorry to hear of Bill's sudden passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Nancy Pristas
~ Nancy Pristas