Obituary of George William Thomson

October 9, 1930 – Edinburgh, Scotland

March 28, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

George Thomson of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the age of 93 years.

George was born in Edinburgh, Scotland on October 9, 1930. Upon completion of his education, he joined the Royal Air Force and was stationed in England and Malaysia. He also worked for the National Rail Service and was an amateur referee.

In 1966, George moved to Calgary, AB. In 2001, he married Anne and had a long career with AGT/Telus before retiring. He was also a member of the Calgary District Soccer Referees Association, where he played an essential role as a National Referee Assessor and volunteered to teach young soccer referees and the Heritage Seniors.

George, whose favourite saying was “through the chair”, accomplished much throughout his life and was particularly proud of being a National Soccer Referee in Canada. He enjoyed reading, history, music, and had a passion for gardening.

He had many memorable times in his life, especially his vacation to Hong Kong with his wife Anne, and being the referee for a soccer game that included the great Pele.

George will be most remembered for his passion for life, his understanding of the needs of others, and how he cared for the people around him.

Besides his loving wife Anne, George is survived by his stepsons, Iain of Calgary, AB, Gary, Steven, and Mark; and daughters-in-law, Claire and Joanne, and their families from the UK. George is also survived by the Thomson and Sproat cousins, the Dunbar, Harbron, Wilson, and Smith cousins, and many friends from Canada, England, and Scotland.

George was predeceased by his parents, George and Mary, and his sister Annie.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (703 Heritage Drive S.W., Calgary, AB) on Friday, April 19, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Reception to follow at the Church.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join George’s service streamed live at https://youtube.com/live/Bj4cVMU1id4 on the day of the service. 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with George’s family here.

In living memory of George Thomson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.