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Obituary
Keith Perrott Thompson – October 4, 1928 – April 4, 2023, peacefully at the Rotary Hospice in Stratford at the age of 94 years. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Marion, (née Halbert) their four children, Craig (Koi) Geoff (Marilyne), Paul (Lorri) and Lesley (Said),12 grandchildren, Katie, Emma, Jaden, Eric, Francois, Max, Armand, Rebecca, Zachary, Avery, Jasper and Cassidy, brother-in-law Robert Halfyard (Thelma) dear nieces Anne Taylor (James) and Heather Halfyard, nephew Alan Halfyard (Margo), their families, and cousin Pat Woodford and her family.
Keith was the last surviving member of his generation of the Thompson family, having been pre-deceased by his parents Elwood and Eleanor, his sisters Elizabeth Halfyard and Elaine Thompson.
Born in Kingston, Ontario, Keith earned his B.A. from Queen’s University and followed in his parents’ footsteps into a career in education, becoming a high school English teacher at R.H. King Collegiate and Head of the English Department at West Hill Collegiate in Scarborough. It was in Scarborough where he met Marion, a primary school teacher.
With two kids in tow, they moved to Sudbury where Keith served as a school inspector for the Ministry of Education, traversing Northern Ontario by plane, train and automobile. A third child arrived and in 1969, they began a new life in Stratford where the family grew to four children and a dog.
Stratford is the community where they put down roots, with Keith taking a position with the Perth County Board of Education, retiring as Program Superintendent in 1986. Early on, he joined the Kiwanis Club, around which Keith and Marion built many lasting friendships and enjoyed countless social events with their coffee and lunch clubs. It was also through Kiwanis that Keith pursued a commitment to community service, actively supporting such causes as the CJCS Kiwanis Christmas Basket Fund. He served as club President and for 14 years as Secretary. In his final days he was awarded an honourary lifetime membership for his more than five decades of service.
Keith was also active at Central United Church singing in the choir, serving on the official board and on the Avondale amalgamation team. He served on the board of Gallery Stratford and on the founding board of Stratford Summer Music. Keith and Marion also supported the Stratford Symphony Orchestra and attended many concerts.
It was during the Scarborough years that they purchased a piece of Crown land in the Algonquin Highlands. The cottage that Keith built (without electricity or a road) expanded over the years and became a constant in family life.
His other passions were antique cars, restoring three vintage automobiles, and making furniture, providing family, friends and charities with countless creations such as cutting boards, tables and benches.
Throughout their retirement, Keith and Marion found time to travel visiting six continents.
Keith and his family would like to thank the health professionals at Stratford General Hospital and the amazing caregivers at the Rotary Hospice who helped make his final days as comfortable as possible.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford on Friday, May 5th from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will take place at Avondale United Church, 194 Avondale Avenue, Stratford on Saturday May 6th at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow. Donations to the Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth would be welcomed. 519.271.7411 wgyoungfuneralhome.com
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October 4 1928
April 4 2023
Death notice for the town of: Stratford, Province: Ontario
death notice Keith Perrott Thompson October 4 1928
April 4 2023
obituaries notice Keith Perrott Thompson October 4 1928
April 4 2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Keith Perrott Thompson October 4 1928
April 4 2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.