21-May-1939 - 10-Dec-2023
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald James Thompson on Dec 10, 2023 in his 85th year.
Born in Toronto, Ron’s birth Mother at an early age fell victim to Tuberculosis. As a result, he was welcomed into a foster home in the Alderwood area. He was raised on a farm on Browns line in Etobicoke by his parents Mr. and Mrs. Sanford along with many foster brothers and his foster sister Zita. Many hours were spent before and after school on the farm doing chores and working the fields. Early life was not easy for Ron and this experience provided Ron with his strong work ethic.
Ron was an exceptional young athlete and fell in love with sports such as baseball, hockey and lacrosse. Ron played sports for his entire life at competitive levels. Ron was an altar boy and part of the Catholic Youth Organization. He enjoyed spending Friday nights at Christ the King church, perfecting his dancing skills. He loved to dance, and boy was he good at it.
Ron settled down in a house with his first wife Lorraine on Summerfield Crescent in Etobicoke with his two young sons, Lyle and Brad. He lived there for decades. Ron met Donna and she moved into the Summerfield home with her two children, Jill and Noel. Ron and Donna were eventually married and were together for over forty years. Ron worked hard to support his family of four and spent many nights and weekends taking kids to lacrosse, football fields, arenas, and pools. All the time Ron honored his own passion for sports by golfing and playing hockey. He played with both Lakeshore and Etobicoke Oldtimers, often lacing up the skates five times a week. How he loved those teams. He played hockey well into his 70’s!
Ron wore several professional hats over the years from bank manager to insurance advisor. He worked well past retirement.
Ron volunteered and gave back to his community in many ways. He supported the Etobicoke Santa Claus parade, Etobicoke Oldtimers, various political campaigns and coached sports.
He spent most summers in cottage country. From Sault Ste Marie to Penetanguishene, he loved lake life. He was an avid water skier and boater. He spent a lot of time around Georgian Bay. He could be found golfing, dancing on the cottage deck, sitting by the campfire, playing horseshoes with Uncle B or throwing the baseball at the beach.
Whether it was building the cottage deck or the “Five Minute Job” bunkie, Ron had a natural talent to fix things and tackle construction projects. He was always there to help others and lend a hand when needed.
Most of all, Ron enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Ron loved to laugh and lit up when the grandchildren came for a visit. He was witty and was quick to make a joke. Ron enjoyed watching sports with Donna and watched golf, curling, hockey, Raptors and the Bluejays. However, his favorite sport to watch was the one his children or Grandchildren were playing, and he was always their biggest cheerleader.
Ron leaves behind his loving wife Donna, his children Brad Thompson (Linda), Noel Johnston, Lyle Thompson (deceased) and Jill Barnes. His Grandchildren Samantha, Tiffany, Kristine, Allison, Jack, Luke, Chloe, Olivia, Nathan, Grace, Leah, Nicole, and Joshua. He also leaves his sister Zita Morrison (Deceased), Brother Dave Sanford (Carletta), His Brother in-law Brian Amos (Karen), His Sister in-law Linda Chernecki (Rudy) and many loved nieces and nephews. Ron also kept in touch with his first wife Lorraine and thought of the world of Jill’s ex-husband, Rob Fournier.
We would like to thank the Nurses (Angels on Earth) at the Georgian Bay General Hospital for all their caring, help and support during Ron’s final days. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Scleroderma Canada would be appreciated by the family.
A celebration of life will be held on January 28th, 2024 from 2 pm to 5 pm at St. Georges Golf and Country Club 1668 Islington Avenue, Etobicoke. There will be eulogies starting at 3 pm.
Arrangements entrusted to Penetanguishene – Funeral Home
