Rodney Glen Thomson

September 9th, 1934 – October 4th, 2018

 

Rodney passed away October 4th, 2018 at the age of 84 years at Mont St. Joseph (MSJ) care Home.  Rodney was born in Ridgedale, Saskatchewan to Glen Thomson and Vera (Whenham) Thomson

 

Rodney graduated in 1953 from Normal school in Saskatoon.  He then went on to teach in Corning, SK; High Prairie, Alberta; Craik, SK; before settling in Prince Albert where he taught at PACI and then Carlton. One of the greatest experiences in his education career was the time he spent teaching in Sarawak, Malaysia. He retired from teaching in 1986.  Rodney spent most of his teaching career teaching English and History and never missed an opportunity to quote Shakespeare, correct your grammar or spout a historical fact.

 

Rodney loved Prince Albert and was very proud of his community involvement.  He spent 12 years as a city councilor and 14 years as a School Trustee with the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division.  

 

Rodney married Valerie McBrien in 1964.  Together they enjoyed traveling, visiting friends and being involved in their service organizations.  Rodney enjoyed sports. He played hockey, baseball and curled until he was into his late seventies.  Always a sports fan you would find him watching the Roughriders, curling and his beloved Blue Jays.  One of his passions was music. Although he could not read music well he had an exceptional ear and was able to play any instrument he picked up including the piano, clarinet, banjo, saxophone, and fiddle.  While living in MSJ he continued to play and entertain the other residents by playing the piano. 

 

Anyone that knew Rodney, knew of his love of dogs.  He spent very few years without a dog beside him.  Rodney was a very social person, he enjoyed visiting and bantering back and forth with these friends, especially those that were on boards with him or were on coffee row. 
 

Rodney was predeceased by his parents Glen & Vera Thomson, brother-in-laws John Heilmann & John Ford, niece Kerry LaClare, great nephew JJ LaClare and his wife of almost 39 years, Valerie (McBrien) Thomson. 

 

Rodney is survived by his only child Jolene (Jodi) Haberstock, Son in law Kristian Haberstock, Grandchildren Owen Thomson Haberstock and Quinn Haberstock, sister Shirley Heilmann and brother Colin (Eleanor) Thomson. 

 

Through the love, dedication and exceptional care of the staff at Mont St. Joseph, Rod was able to enjoy the last two years of his life.  We would also like to thank Dr. C Cantin for his years of care. 

 

“Like as the waves make towards the pebbled shore,

So do our minutes hasten to their end;

Each changing place with that which goes before,

In sequent toil all forwards do contend.”

William Shakespeare, Sonnet 60

Memorial Service  Friday, October 12, 2018, 2:00 p.m. Ches Leach Lounge in the Art Hauser Center.

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.grays.ca.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Gray’s Funeral Chapel, Prince Albert, SK 306-922-4729.

 

• Date : 2018-10-04
• Location : Prince Albert