Ernest Henry Thompson entered this world at Dodsland, Saskatchewan on May 14, 1926 and he left on March 27, 2022 with family at his side from the Calgary Foothills Hospital.
His father Harry Thompson and Uncle Walter had moved from Sheffield, Ontario and settled in the Driver-Smiley, Saskatchewan area in 1913. His mother Ethel Campbell had moved with her family from Grand Valley, Ontario, and settled in the same area. Harry and Ethel married in 1921. Ernie was the 3rd of 4 children; Elsie (1923), Chester (1924), Ernie (1926) and Ralph (1932).
In 1933, when Ernie was 7, the Thompsons moved from the open prairie up to the bush in the Loon Lake area, where they farmed. As a teenager, Ernie sometimes worked on a farm near Smiley. In July 1945 he and a friend caught the train and went to the Calgary Stampede.
In 1949 Ernie married Lillian Studer and they lived in the small Loon Lake house until 1960 when they moved to Saskatoon. Ernie was in the transportation business and was one of the original ‘fixers’. He could find and haul anything! After hauling livestock for many years, Ernie went into the bus business and then sold grain and livestock trailers up until he retired, around 1981.
Ernie worked hard long days; he was away from home a lot but he was able to retire young and had over 40 years of retirement. He and Lil spent many winters in Arizona. In the late 90’s, Ernie decided to head west on his own. He lived in Kelowna until 2019, part of it with his late in life companion, Marguerite. Ernie spent his last years in Airdrie and then in supportive living in north Calgary. Although Ernie outlived much of his family, friends and colleagues, he did try to stay in contact right up until the end. He lived a good live, supported his family and helped many others. He saw a lot of change in the world in his long life.
Ernie lived for almost 96 years and was the oldest Thompson!
He was predeceased by his son Dwaine in 1956; his brother Ralph in 1984; his sister Elsie in 2003; his brother Chester in 2010; his grandchildren Michelle (2021) and Lauralee (2021); his nephew Kevin.
Ernie is survived and his life celebrated by his daughter Marlene (Joe) of Lardeau, BC, his sons Rick of Fawcett, Alberta and Bob (Kathy) of Airdrie, his wife (separated) Lil of Airdrie; his grandchildren Duane, Ryley (Ashely), Dylaney (Chelsea) and Cally (Jarom); Thompson nieces Donna, Susan, Tammy, Pam, Leona, Cecile, and Thompson nephews Keith, Dean, Daryl and Doyle; three great grandchildren Wylie, Samantha & Wyatt and numerous Studer nieces and nephews. Ernie lives on in our memories and our genes.
Pallbearers: Ross Williamson, Duffy Studer, Dean Thompson, Duane Thompson, Ryley Thompson, Dylaney Thompson
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Ernest Henry Thompson Sunday March 27th 2022..
J.E. Thomas Funeral Home and Crematorium Ltd
Décès pour la Ville: Meadow Lake, Province: Saskatchewan