THOMPSON
William (Bill) John
June 16, 1959 - August 20, 2019
Bill was born to Sam and Ruth Thompson of Delia, Alberta and was the youngest of 7 children. His formative years were spent enjoying the rural life on the family farm. He attended school in Delia and graduated in 1977.
After high school, he began working as a driver at the Drumheller Penitentiary. He particularly enjoyed his job at the “pen” as he met Gwen Petersen, his future wife, who was employed as a secretary. Bill and Gwen eloped in October 1983 and began their life together. Within two years, the children started arriving: Paula, Rachel, and Stuart. Bill and Gwen celebrated over 35 years together.
He loved family life with Gwen and enjoyed watching his children grow, achieving their educational goals, and starting their own families. In particular, he loved welcoming his new grandchildren into the family.
Aside from his family, Bill enjoyed working and taking on new challenges. He began a career in oil and gas and was employed as a director with Nova/TransCanada and Koch/Interpipeline. With his work, he moved his family to Kindersley, Saskatchewan; and Brooks, Cochrane, and Calgary, Alberta. He enjoyed his work and his colleagues.
Bill is survived by his wife, Gwen, and his children and sons-in-law: Paula and Bruce Balog, Rachel and Clint Harrowing, and son Stuart Thompson, and their grandchildren: Emily, William, Charlotte and Rowan. He is also survived by siblings: Brenda, Don, Bruce, Margaret, Gordon, Sandra and their families. He is also survived by Gwen’s siblings and their families and a host of wonderful friends.
Bill was predeceased by his parents Sam and Ruth Thompson and his infant brother Robert.
A celebration of life will be held at the Badlands Community Facility on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers please donate to: A charity of your choice or Melanoma Research.
