DAVID JÓN THOMSON

October 18th, 1939 – February 13, 2020

David Jón Thomson of Toronto, ON passed away on February 13, 2020 at St. Michael’s hospital in Toronto during emergency surgery for a torn aorta. David was born in Medicine Hat, AB, the son of Wilfrid Laurier Thomson and Helga Thomson (nee Bergman) and beloved brother of Louise (deceased), Kay and Leora. David grew up in Redcliff, attended Medicine Hat High School, the University of Alberta and the University of Western Ontario where he received his MBA in 1963. He married Diane Gillies of Buckingham, QC in 1964. From 1967 to 1972, David worked on the campaigns of Pierre Trudeau and served as an aide and advisor in the Prime Minister’s Office. While living in Ottawa, two daughters were born, Kristin in 1967 and Gillian in 1970. He then transitioned into commercial real estate, working with Oxford Properties which led to a number of moves including Calgary, Edmonton and Minneapolis. Lastly, he managed a US portfolio of commercial mortgages for Great-West Life Assurance Co. in Denver, CO. In the late 1990’s, David “retired” and he and Diane moved back to Toronto, happy to be close to friends that stretched back to his days at Western. He continued to serve on a number of corporate boards and was the long-time President of their Condo Association. David was an exceptional athlete. He played basketball for the University of Alberta, ran marathons (under three hours), was an avid cyclist and in recent years rowed 10,000 meters a day on a rowing machine. His eagerness to stay fit was evident in the annual walking trips he planned and shared with a group of close friends. Over the years, they walked hundreds of miles along the Thames River path, across Scotland, along the El Camino in Spain and through small towns and vineyards in Tuscany. David also hosted Thomson family reunions, transporting his own family plus his three sisters, their spouses, children and grandchildren across continents to share a week together creating wonderful memories. David’s own inherent drive and ambition along with his parents’ insistence on a University education, formed the foundation for his success. David was a loving son and brother, a devoted husband, a doting father, uncle and grandfather, and loyal friend to many. He is survived by his wife Diane, daughters Kristin and Gillian, their husbands Bryan Dilworth and Kent Johnson, and three grandsons: Riley Dilworth, Duncan Johnson and Graham Johnson. The family will honour David’s memory with a private gathering. A celebration will be held in Toronto in June 2020. The family will be establishing an education scholarship in David’s name. Condolences may be shared at: davidthomsonmemories@gmail.com