THOMSON - After a long illness, peacefully in his sleep at Parkwood Hospital on December 4, 1999 Gordon Thomson, in his 81st year. Beloved husband of Peggy Thomson. Dear father of Bob Thomson and Lois, and Wendy Ball, Step-father of George Weston and Dianne, John Weston and Joan, Steven Weston, Susan Cole and Mike. Grandfather of 21, great-grandfather of five. Loving brother of Reg Thomson and Ilene, Earl Thomson and Terry, Jack Thomson, Chester Thomson and Velma, Val Thomson and Barb, Alice Taverner and Elton, Neil Thomson, Uldene Scott and Ken. Friends will be received at Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel, 1997 Dundas Street (at Wavell) on Tuesday, Decmeber 7, 1999 for Memorial Service in the Chapel at 2 PM. Visitation one hour prior. Interment Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, V.O.N. or the Parkwood Hospital Palliative Care Unit gratefully acknowledged by the family.

I still remember the expression of surprise on my grandfather's face the last time I saw him, a week before he died. Derek and I had went to visit him in the palliative care unit at Parkwood Hospital, here in London, and I introduced myself to his nurse as "his grand-daughter". I remember wondering why he looked so surprised but then realized, he wasn't my actual grandfather, but my step-grandfather. I had considered him my grandpa for so long that it seemed only natural to introduce myself in such a way. I hope, that in this round-about way, he knew that I had always thought of him as my grandpa and that he was also pleased. My only regret is that, growing up, I had always referred to him as "Gord". "Grandma & Gord" - that is how they were always known, so if I refer to him as such in my tribute, you'll understand why.

What can I tell you about Gord Thomson? He was probably one of the kindest people I've ever known in my life - always gentle and well-spoken, intelligent and well-read. He had a wonderful sense of humour and it was such a treat to see him laugh - his eyes would literally disappear, they'd crinkle so. He loved to go for long drives and walks, but his #1 passion was fishing. He had his own boat and would go on numerous fishing expeditions with my father. It was fitting that at his memorial, we set up his fishing hat on a table, surrounding it with flowers from the family.

I can't recall when Gord was first diagnosed with prostate cancer, it was so many years ago, and I was still a child. He was in remission for years and years and it was only last year when the cancer returned. It was a slow-growing cancer that gradually overtook his kidneys. For the final months of his life, he was bedridden, he couldn't stand without his blood pressure dropping dangerously low. But throughout it all, he never lost his sense of humour - to the point where many didn't even believe he was ill if he spoke to them on the telephone. He had such a spark, it never faded, not even the last day of his life. He fought every moment until the very end and I'll never understand why such a kind man was made to suffer so.

When he finally passed away on December 4, 1999, we found ourselves more relieved than saddened. To know he was no longer suffering was a great comfort. I remember, too, that before he died, he kept having dreams where he was climbing a hill but always awoke before reaching the top. I find myself hoping that, on that final night, he did reach the top of that hill. I also hope that he knew how proud I was to have him for a grandfather. It was a privilege to have him in my life and I shall never forget him - his voice, his smile, and most of all, his laugh.

My grandparents, Gord & Peggy Thomson. This is my favourite picture of them together, I have always kept it out where people can see it. In our new home, it is in our recroom alongside other family photos.

This picture was taken around 1992 or so, when Gord was still in good health.

For a number of years, every Christmas Eve, my brother and I would visit our grandparents. This picture was taken in 1992.

This picture was taken during our Christmas Eve visit in 1993. I'm glad we had our picture taken together!

This was taken on Gord's 75th birthday in May of '94. It was a very happy day for us all!

This is the last picture I ever took of Gord. It was taken May 3, 1999 at his 80th birthday party. We all showed up at his door as a surprise and had a wonderful day. He was so happy that we all came. I'm glad we made his last birthday a memorable one!

IN MEMORY OF GORDON THOMSON. MAY 3, 1919 - DECEMBER 4, 1999.

MISS ME - BUT LET ME GO

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free
Miss Me A Little - But Not Too Long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss Me - But Let Me Go.
For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone
It's all a part of the Master's plan
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds
Miss Me - But Let Me Go.