Obituary of Eileen Margaret THOMPSON (nee Iggulden)

1944 – 2021

Eileen Thompson passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at the age of 77 years.

Eileen was born in Thorhild, AB, and moved to the south end of Edmonton, AB, when she was quite young. Eileen married Brian in 1965 and soon after they moved from Edmonton to the northern part of Calgary, where they lived and raised a family for the next fifty-five years.

Eileen was a well-respected Provincial and Federal Returning Officer for many years in Calgary and was asked to participate as an overseer for the UN when the democratic elections were held in South Africa (1994) and Cambodia (1993); she also relocated to Ottawa for one Canadian election, as a subject matter expert. Eileen also worked for many years with the City of Calgary Census and Election office in a variety of roles. After her experiences, Eileen could never understand how poor the voter turnout was in Canada for an election when the voters in other countries experiencing the opportunity to vote for the first time would wait days in line just to be able to cast a ballot.

Once Eileen and Brian retired they both spent numerous hours volunteering with the BP Canada Retirees Association in Calgary on several different projects. Eileen loved to volunteer, especially with the BP Birth Place Forest program and the Habitat for Humanity Play House lotteries. They both loved to travel and especially liked cruising; they went to many parts of the world including Antarctica, the Baltic and Alaska. Travelling around the Maritimes and to Jasper Park Lodge were also favorite destinations.

Eileen loved watching hockey and CFL football and was especially passionate about the Edmonton Eskimos and the Edmonton Oilers, even though she had lived in Calgary for fifty-three years. Whenever Edmonton played Calgary you always knew she was cheering for Edmonton.

Eileen is survived by her husband Brian, her children, Bonnie (Tony) and Brad (Shannon); grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Keegan; her brothers, Lee (Liz) and Glen (Joyce); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Private Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 26, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.Condolences, memories and photos can be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Eileen Thompson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 3V9, Telephone: 403-248-8585.