THOMSON, Robert Smeaton (Bob)
Bob died peacefully at home in Victoria, March 13, 2012, surrounded by his family; his loving wife of 56 years, Shirley-Anne, children Mari-Lynn, Colin, John and his wife Keiko and Bob’s granddaughter Maya. Born in Lethbridge, Alberta to Homer and Mary Thomson (Smeaton), Bob moved to Drumheller, Alberta with his mother and grandparents after the loss of his father in the RCAF near the end of the Second World War. Here he forged many deep and lifelong friendships, and met his future wife Shirley Anne Turner. Moving to Calgary in 1952, and marrying Shirley-Anne in 1955, he started his family and worked with Dominion Bridge Calgary for 35 years. Always devoted to his family first, Bob spent countless hours with his children skiing, hiking, tutoring math, rescuing them from broken down automobiles and driving thousands of miles during summer vacations exploring Canada. In addition to his own brood, Bob was close to his first cousins, who were like his own brothers and sisters; Mary, Laurie and Budge, the children of Chrissie and Jimmy Kergan of Drumheller and Gerald and Lilian Noble’s children, Eleanor, Charles and Brian of Nobleford, Alberta. Growing up together in Drumheller and Nobleford, they were always a source of strength, support and often fun throughout his life. Bob is also survived by his Aunt Bess Garton (Thomson), her daughter Donna Lister, and daughter- in-law JoAnne Garton , all of Ottawa. In 1996, Bob, Shirley-Anne, his mother Mary and Bob’s beloved cats moved to Victoria, British Columbia. Bob enjoyed the mild winters and glorious summers on the Island, and became an integral part of Friday afternoon gatherings at the Faculty Club Lounge at the University of Victoria, engaging in lively debate about politics, physics, and travel. Bob and Shirley-Anne always looked forward to a glass of wine among this warm and always interesting group. Life in Victoria also allowed him to pursue his interest in golf, playing the piano, working in the garden and on the house, and listening to classical music. In his later years, Bob was afflicted with macular degeneration, and committed to memory piano sheet music of Chopin and Beethoven, allowing him to play despite his poor vision. Bob was a patient, kind and gentle man, who loved life. He will be missed by many. Memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
