December 11, 1947 to March 20, 2012
On Tuesday morning, the first day of spring, a day of renewal and rebirth, Dad lost his short but courageous battle to cancer at the age of 64 in Grand Forks, B.C. He passed peacefully with family by his bedside holding his hand.
Dad was born at Vancouver, B.C., to William and Elizabeth Thomson. During his boyhood years the family moved from Vancouver to Michel/Natal, then to Mission where he graduated from high school.
Following graduation, he joined the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce where he was promoted with distinction through the ranks to branch manager in various communities in B.C., including: New Denver, Prince George and finally Grand Forks in 1983. He retired in 1993 after 28 years with the bank. In 1996 he fulfilled a long-time ambition with Mom and went ranching up the Burrell with his friend, Walter Austin, on the Burrell Creek Ranch. They all moved back into town when fire destroyed the ranch house in 2003.
Doug is lovingly remembered by Sue, his wife of 40 years; son, Peter (Kirsten) and their sons, Liam, Noah, Lyle and Logan of Langley; and his daughter, Melissa of Grand Forks (who has been his rock and care-giver through his illness) and her son, Phoenix (the pride and joy of Dad’s life), who misses his “Papa” very much. His sister, Maureen (Wayne) Booth of Salmon Arm; and his good friend, Walter Austin, also survive him. His son, Christopher, predeceased him in 1982, as have both his parents.
Dad was a person of exceptional intelligence with knowledge of many subjects and tried his best to mentor and challenge his cherished grandson, and constant companion, Phoenix. Right to the very end he was planning new projects and set about doing what he could to make life easier and better, to the best of his decreasing ability, for the people he loved but was forced to leave.
So much to do, so little time to do it. So much to say in so short a time. Family dinners were frequent, not just on special occasions, but just because we could. Anyone who met Dad will well remember his handshake was second to none. Sometimes our loved ones become more alive to us than ever before. Now we are seeking a new relationship with him, even though he is out of sight.
My father requested that we skip a memorial, and celebrate his life later this year. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Boundary Community Hospice Association may be made in his memory. Cremation has taken place. Graham Funeral Home of Oliver, B.C., has been entrusted with care of arrangements.