Gordon Mitchell Thomson

Gordon Mitchell Thomson, 97, of Calgary, Alberta passed away, peacefully in his sleep, on November 17, 2023, at CareWest Colonel Belcher.

He was born to parents James and Agnes Thomson on November 26, 1925, in Calgary, Alberta.

He married the love of his life, Violet Louise Murdy on October 30, 1948. They were happily married for 68 years and raised three sons together.

Gordon is survived by sons Robert (Gail) and Donald (Keri), grandchildren Amber, Angelo, Kyley and Randi as well as other extended family members including great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and numerous good friends and neighbours.

He was predeceased by his wife, Violet and his son, John. He was also predeceased by his father and mother, his brother Jim, sister Jean, and stepbrothers and sisters.

Gordon was raised in downtown Calgary and when he turned 18, joined the Air Force to start his training in Edmonton before being transferred to Winnipeg to learn how to be a Gunner. Unfortunately, while he was in Winnipeg, he contracted a debilitating disease which led to his early discharge from the Air Force. In 1945, Gordon began his 40-year career with the City of Calgary as a Streetcar Driver, transitioning to a Trolly Bus Driver and then transferred to the Finance Division, ultimately heading up the Parking Meter Department for the remainder of his career.

Gordon was a dedicated member of ANAVETS Dominion Canada (The Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans in Canada, Tunis #2) with which he served in many roles for more than 69 years, including Calgary Unit President, Alberta Provincial President, and then went on to serve 2 terms as Canadian Dominion President. Over the years he was recognized often for his service and accomplishments, including an Appreciation Award, a Life Membership, the Order of Service and the Award of Merit, the latter being ANAVETS’ highest award.

In the 1960s, he was a member of a committee to have the Eternal Flame at Calgary's cenotaph in Memorial Park. In the 1970s, Gordon served on a committee to save the Colonel Belcher Centre, a long-term-care Veterans' Hospital. Additionally, he volunteered as a driver for the Calgary Poppy Fund.

In 2009, Gordon was presented with the “Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation”. This honour is awarded to individuals who have performed commendable service to the Veteran community and/or individuals who represent commendable role models for their fellow Veterans.

In their retirement years, Gordon and Violet enjoyed a variety of travels, including road trips, pulling their trailer, to spend part of their winters in Arizona. Their summers were spent at their beloved Group 25 campground near Sundre, Alberta. Curling was another of Gordon’s passions and he continued to play the game well into his 80’s.

Gordon will always be remembered for his jovial sense of humour, resourcefulness, generosity, congeniality and his strong value of friendship.

A Celebration of Life to honour and remember Gordon will take place in the fall of 2024.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that donations be made, in his memory, to the Veteran's Association Thrift Store. https://veteransassociation.ca/pages/ways-to-give

Rest in Peace, Dad.

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