John Thomson

John Jack "Doc" Thomson

Peacefully on Monday, January 3, 2011, Jack Thomson, husband of the late Myrtle (nee Rae), passed away in the Douglas Campbell Lodge at the age of 91 years.

He will be lovingly remembered by his son Rae (Judy) of Oakville and granddaughter Cindy (Jason) Cousin with great grandson Robbie and granddaughter Jackie (Bert) deVries; and son Craig (Heather) of MacGregor with grandchildren Kendra (Kasey Brown), Brittany, Ashton and Landon; brothers Robert Thomson of Miami and Peter (Pat) Thomson of Winnipeg; brother-in-law Jack (Dorothy) Rae of Portage la Prairie and nieces and nephews and their families.

Dad was born and raised on the family farm in Miami, Manitoba. He attended Guelph University graduating in 1942 as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Shortly after he began his Vet Practice in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. In September 24, 1949 he married Myrtle Rae. Dad worked his private vet practice in Portage la Prairie for large and small animals until 1969. From 1969 to 1986 Dad was employed with the Government of Canada as District Veterinarian. The highlights of his career were the trips to Europe between 1972 to1975, to test European cattle for diseases prior to importing to Canada.

After retiring from this government position, Doc worked a private practice for a few more years. He loved all animals and cared for them with passion and a caring manner. He also enjoyed working with his sons on the farm. His expertise came in handy for the cattle operation. Together with his wife and sons, Doc operated a bee operation for over 40 years. Dad was witty with a dry sense of humour. He was known by the farmers for his one liners and always had a comeback comment.

In his younger days, Doc played on competitive ball teams. He then coached many minor ball and hockey teams in Portage and in his latter years he played on the Liniment League, Seniors and Lifetimers ball club. He was a member of the Portage Mercury Ball Team that was inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003. Dad also enjoyed curling with the Masters Curling Club, golfing as a member of the MacGregor Golf Club and hunting of all types.

Dad was an avid reader and storyteller. He had a large library, which he liked to lend to the grandchildren to encourage them to read. He would also enjoy a good game of majon and card games such as whist and cribbage.

Dad was very active in the community and belonged and participated in Manitoba BeeKeepers Association, Manitoba Veterinary Association (was Past President), A.N.A.F. (also as Past President), life member of Oddfellows and 50 year pin and life member of Portage Elks Lodge. In 2002, Dad was presented with Queen's Golden Jubilee medal in recognition of distinguished service to his community.

The last few years Dad was a resident of Douglas Campbell Lodge. Family would like to thank the staff for all their concern and patience in caring for Dad.

Service to celebrate Doc's life will be held on Friday, January 7, 2011 at 1:00 pm at Trinity United Church led by Rev. Beth Kerr. There will be a private family interment at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Doc's memory to Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 21 Royal Road S., Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 1T8 or to Community Foundation of Portage & District, P.O.Box 1153, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3J9 or to Delta Water Fowl or a charity of your choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel