Obituary of Thomas (Tom) Gordon Thompson

 

November 17, 1942 - Winnipeg, Manitoba

October 6, 2023 - Water Valley, Alberta

 

Amazingly peaceful, on Friday, October 6, 2023, Thomas Gordon Thompson passed away at home, in Water Valley, AB, at the age of 80 years.

 

Tom was born in Winnipeg on November 17, 1942. He married the love of his life, Linda Anne Katherine Serbin, on March 9, 1968. Perceived by many as “always constant and steady”, Tom and Linda reached their 55th milestone wedding anniversary. Their traditional family life upbringing provided a solid foundation for their atypical, “Choice Adult Adoptions” – a family life system that continues to change and evolve across the decades, out of the marrow of their love and the sands of time.

 

Only God knows “the hidden mysteries behind the whys”, Tom and I have been called blessed, meeting so many lovely children and adults out there. During her supervised Ph.D. process, reparenting treatment approaches for children abused and/or abandoned; Dr. Linda was endearingly known as “Mama Linda Tiger”. Tom and Linda have repeatedly opened their hearts and home (Good Samaritans), especially to those fleeing domestic violence and abuse.

 

“Christmas Letter 1996” shares and captures important moments in family life worthy of sharing today:

 

“This past year has brought a lot of changes to all of our lives. Many members of our family experienced new beginnings and endings which required adjustments and challenges. Tom accepted an early retirement package from Canadian Airlines. However, his retirement was short-lived as he worked with Doug at Hydro-Tech for a few months and then, accepted a position with WestJet. Tom enjoys aircraft mechanics, and he now says he is “working with the cream of the crop.”

 

Wade and Susan were blessed with the gift of a beautiful daughter in September. Our new granddaughter, Samantha Brenda Nicole, is a healthy, “happy delight.” Unfortunately, shortly after her arrival, her parents separated. Wade continues to distance himself from family as he faces many acceptance issues.

 

Doug continues in his welding career. He was approached by a scout from a modeling agency who believes Doug has “the look” to become an international model.

 

During the past three years, Tom and I have welcomed three wonderful women and their significant others into our family life. These lovely people grace our space. It’s wonderful for me to have “female” companionship in what used to be an all-male family, including the dog. In the 90’s, we now have more females, a challenge for the men.

 

I missed all the seasons this year, put my rehab program on hold, and hunkered down to complete my Dissertation. On my parents’ 56th wedding anniversary, I completed the final draft – Matrix of Trauma. I received word of acceptance in the field of Psychological Traumatology, and now I’m Dr. Mom. I settled my MVA car accident by mediation and life is full, rich, and God is so good to me (us).

 

For many, Tom will remain a sweet gentle soul; a man who got down on the floor to play with the kids and puppies. Tom’s legacy reveals a stellar man of noble character, role-modeling how men ought to treat women and children. Our family has evolved; Doug (Susan), granddaughters Trinity, Aurora, and Brenda; and granddaughter Ashlyn. Our four lovely granddaughters, and young women.

 

Tom was raised in a close-knit nuclear family with his dad Harry and mom Mary. He is the first-born, eldest son, with brother William “Bill”, ‘little sister’ Hazel (Don), Bob (Adele), Hunter, Jeremy, Carmen, Sherry (Darryll), Jane, and Alex.

 

Bill nicknamed Tom “Brother Moon”. They attended and left Westwood College in 1961 and worked as a stock boy/clerk, a mechanic/shipper helper, and parts man at Motor Coach Industries and Canadian Tire. He was hard-working and well-liked by his colleagues. As a young adult, he lived in Silver Heights.

 

Mary, brother Bill, and ‘little sister’ Hazel. As young boys, Tommy and Billy enjoyed many rabbit and fishing trips with Uncle Ed, fond memories he recalled his entire lifespan. However, and especially significant, was his life review (Deja-vu) this past summer, saying out loud almost daily, “Where’s Billy, little sis, uncle Ed, Douger, and Wade?”. I do believe there are hidden messages in these moments.

 

Tom joined the Royal Canadian Air Force Marching Band, achieving his Private Pilots Licence at the Winnipeg Flying Club in 1960. In 1969, Tom launched, entering the Airline Industries. He was a warehouseman for I.T.T. Artic Services and in 1969, he worked as an airframe mechanic for C.A.E. Then, in 1962, he went on to be an aircraft mechanic with Transair Ltd. Here and unbeknownst to him, he was exposed to asbestos. Tom remained an aircraft mechanic working for Pacific Western in Winnipeg, with a transfer to Canadian Airlines in Calgary, living in Airdrie, AB.

 

Tom’s final aircraft post was very special, as he was with WestJet on the Night Check Crew. All levels of this organization treated, respected, and supported him and his wife Linda, as he fought and beat his first battle with Stage 4 colorectal cancer - asbestos causes this too! His surgeon, Dr. MacLean, Dr. Sylvie, and Dr. Wong put together a four-part program to fight and win the battle: three surgeries, one month radiation, and four rounds of chemotherapy; an 18-month process.

 

The good news story is Tommy got a miracle; he returned to work to eventually retire in 2012, hanging up his coveralls and boots on the retiree wall.

 

Gratitude to all the staff at Foothill’s Hospital, Dr. MacLean, and Dr. Sylvie; Tom Baker Centre, Dr. Wong, and Radiology; Rocky View General, Dr. Barr and Amanda, and the Day Surgery staff who became “like family”. Additional gratitude to all the allied professionals and consultants throughout Tommy’s 17-year journey of fighting to enjoy and savour each and every day. Moment-to-moment living was priceless with Tommy. Tom was cared for by three family physicians: Dr. C. Vervaeck in Didsbury, and he received exceptional care from Dr. Parmar and Dr. Mclean at La Vita Medical Clinic in Airdrie. He also received additional care from Didsbury Home Care, Calgary Rural Palliative Care Team, Respirologists Dr. Tourin and Dr. Lim, plus Dream Sleep Respiratory provided excellent service and care, extending both time and the quality of his life.

 

This sweet miracle man travelled an extensive 17-year journey, battling and enduring five life-threatening diseases each day, with no complaints, nor landing on a pity-potty. Tommy received miracle healing from Father Bernie Black, Father Julian, and Father Bob. We are grateful to our church community, St. Paul’s in Airdrie.

 

Tommy loved to dance and roller-skate, and I was unable to skate backward, so he would lovingly escort me around the rink to a waltz, doing all the backward skating for us.

 

In living memory of Thomas Thompson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Airdrie, 300 Towerlane Drive, Airdrie, AB T4B 3L8, Telephone: 403-948-1100.