Obituary of Malcolm George Thompson

While in his 63 year, at home surrounded by his wife and children, Mac died peacefully Tuesday April 5th, 2016. Mac strived to face his villainous foe with lionhearted courage and unprecedented heroism for 18 years. Mac made truce with his enemy and in the end Mac was the victor. Mac had an enormous capacity and will to live life fearlessly. Mac would want to be remember for the fun and joy of life and not by tears and sadness. Mas was well loved and he loved well. In keeping with Mac’s wishes cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer months - details to follow. As most will acknowledge, Mac’s love for the railway was as vast as life itself. Mac celebrated 25 years with Via Rail/CN before sadly being forced to retire due to illness. In memory of his devotion to the railway and to all his co-workers still out there, this is for you hoggers and Mac: “At birth we boarded the train and met our parents, and we believe they will always travel on our side. However, at some station our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone. As time goes by, other people will board the train; and they will be significant i.e. our siblings, friends, children, and even the love of your life. Many will step down and leave a permanent vacuum. Others will go so unnoticed that we don't realize they vacated their seats. This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells. Success consists of having a good relationship with all passengers requiring that we give the best of ourselves. The mystery to everyone is: We do not know at which station we ourselves will step down. So, we must live in the best way, love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are. It is important to do this because when the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who will continue to travel on the train of life. I wish you a joyful journey on the train of life. Reap success and give lots of love. More importantly, be thankful for the journey. Lastly, I thank you for being one of the passengers on my train.” “author unknown” Malcolm is survived by his loving and devoted wife Rosemary, and their equally loving and devoted sons Gregory, Bradly and Andrew. Malcolm was predeceased by his parents; mother Doris May (Boone) and Malcolm George Thompson. Being the youngest of 9 siblings Malcom is survived by sister Annie May Townsend of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA; sister Audrey (John) Thompson of Port De Grave, Newfoundland; sister Margaret (Thompson) Ross of Pontypool, Ontario; brother Robert Thompson (Pat) of Clifford, Ontario; Jack (Roni) Thompson of Toronto, Ontario; Linda Thompson, Hanover, Ontario. Malcolm was predeceased by his siblings - sister Myrtle (Thompson) Milley, Philadelphia, USA; Harold (Sonny) Thompson, Toronto, Ontario. Malcolm is also survived by 20 nephew and nieces and 21 great nephew and nieces. The family would also like to take this time to acknowledge all those who participated in the extraordinary health care that Malcolm received throughout the past 18 years: Dr. James Perry, Neuro-Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario; and his amazing staff. Dr. David Munro, Family Doctor Extraordinaire, London, Ontario; and Susan. Thank you and you are loved. Dr. David MacDonald, Neuro-Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario; and his amazing staff. Dr. Joseph Megyesi, Neuro-Oncology, Western University Hospital, London, Ontario; and his amazing staff. Dr. Kurt Hamilton, Lead Physician, London Home Palliative Care, London, Ontario; and his amazing palliative care team and staff. No words can express my gratitude for your uncompromising kindness, and honesty, providing for Mac’s comfort and care to the very end. How lucky Mac was to have you in his life and death. Thank you and you are loved. Next the family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the following - for without their ongoing amazing support, care, devotion and unequaled love and due diligence they shared with Mac – his quality of life, and end of life could not have been accomplished with the highest standards of service Mac was so deserving of. CCAC – LISA LOUCH – Complex Care – Lisa thank you for always making sure our wishes and Mac’s needs were met without question. Thank you also to all those involved from CCAC in Mac’s home care. ST. ELIZABETH HOME CARE, London Ontario – IVAN – not only were you Mac’s primary nurse for 4 years, you were also a member of our family. The love care devotion you provided along with the laughs we shared was unequalled. You were there from beginning until end – there are no words to say how I feel in my heart for the lengths you went to, to assure Macs needs and wishes were followed through to the very end. You will forever remain a part of our family, in our hearts forever for everything you did. Thank you and we love you dearly. Nader – your smile, your comfort and your gentle nature which you brought through the door on every visit. Thank you. Trevor – you never let us down and were always there when we needed you. Your kindness and laughter brought joy up until the final hours. Thank you. Victoria – we did not know each other well, but during the times you were here, we felt we knew you forever. Thank You. VON HOME SUPPORT, London, Ontario – LORRIE – THE TEACHER – the vast knowledge shared so appropriately, along with your kindness, and the warmth of your hand and heart that touched Mac and me so often. Your ability to move me beyond my comfort zone in a fashion that brought dignity, harmony and reverent observance will be ever remembered. Thank you and you are loved. DARLENE – THE BAKER – your afternoon treats of homemade banana bread and tea shared with Mac every day; and keeper of Macs favorite TV programs you never missed – these times will always remind us how important the joy and quality of life needs to be maintained right to the end. Thank you and you are loved. MEGHEN – THE COMFORTER – your gentleness and caring brought so much warmth into Mac’s life our family. You were our blanket of care. Thank you and you are loved. TANIS – THE QUIET ONE – your gentle and peaceful quietness and unquestioning devotion to Mac never went unnoticed. You were the last to honor Mac and give him the respect, kindness and caring he so deserved. Thank you and you are loved. MINDY – THE WEE SPARK PLUG – Mindy Mindy Mindy ! Mac’s face never ceased to light up at 11pm when you walked through that door. The hours you spent talking with him, even when he could not speak; the laughter you brought to Mac and myself when times felt dark – you were our candle of light. Thank you and you are loved. FINALLY - I would like to mention some very special people in Mac and my life who were always there no matter the hour or day; and in no particular order: George Kotsopolous, Arlene Brown, Bill Caulkwell, Danny & Debbie Lupenette, Kathy & Gary Gertz, Diane & Ivan McNeil, Dave Shiller & Donna Girard (Canadian Red Cross Disaster Management). A very special thank you to Margret Ross, Tia Ross Lazor, and Mark Ross for being there even now, and their never ending love and devotion to our family. To Lesley, Ryan & James – for their amazing music and lyrics that ALWAYS reminded and lifted me up to remember; as Malcolm always did – that #lifeisgood and be filled with laughter and joy so please raise a parting glass to Malcolm George Thompson do not cry for his death but Celebrate His Life. In lieu of flowers – please feel free to donate to your favorite charity or community organization in memory of Mac. Xo