THOMPSON
William (Bill) Robert
February 9, 1926 - June 16, 2017
William (Bill) Robert Thompson of Bassano, beloved husband of Della Thompson, passed away in Bassano on Friday, June 16th, 2017 at the age of 91 years. Bill was born in Calgary on February 9th, 1926, the oldest child of Bob and Blanche Thompson of the Duck Lake area, where Bill grew up with his siblings, George (Shorty), John and Betty. He spent the majority of his life farming and recalled the old days fondly. Bill would tell many stories of working the land, travelling by horses and pioneer days, as the history books call them today. He married Ellen Holsten of Rose Valley, Saskatchewan on December 5th, 1959. Together they established a farm and a life in this rural area. Bill enjoyed hard work, carpentry and socializing with the community. He could be depended on to always lend a helping hand. Bill and Ellen retired in 1993 and moved to Bassano. Shortly after, Ellen passed away. Bill met Della Cannon through the Bassano Senior’s Drop In Centre. They were married on October 11th, 1997 in Bassano. Together they enjoyed bowling, shuffleboard and caring for their lawn and garden. The cherry trees in Bill’s backyard provided many jars of delicious jam for family and friends. Bill and Della moved into the Playfair Lodge in Bassano in 2013, where Bill enjoyed cribbage, reading, good music and visits with friends and family. One highlight last summer for Bill was the Thompson family reunion, where he entertained the younger generation with stories of the past. Although Bill is gone, his memory will live on through his many friends and family. He was predeceased by his first wife Ellen, sister Betty, and brothers, Shorty and John. Bill is survived by his loving wife Della, her family and many nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 23rd at 2:00 PM from Knox Presbyterian Church. Pastor Dan Hendrickson officiating. Interment to take place at 1:00 PM from Bassano Cemetery. In memory of Bill, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Bassano and District Health Foundation, Box 120, Bassano, Alberta T0J 0B0.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM, BROOKS, ALBERTA.
Condolences may be forwarded through www.sfh.ca
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