Dr. David Charles Thompson D.V.M.

With great sadness, we announce our dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa passed away at age 101 years on June 17, 2020 with his daughters at his side. It saddened us that – due to COVID-19 restrictions – we were unable to physically visit him for three months, which we know was extremely hard on him.

David was predeceased by his beloved wife Louise (2003); mother Rachael (1944); father Henry (1953); brothers Kenneth (1979) and Stanley (1998); and sister Dorothy (2004). His memory will be cherished by his four daughters Marion (Murray), Barbara, Susan (Andy), and Cathy; and his son Richard (Brenda); as well as his 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

David was born in Virden, Manitoba on December 7, 1918 the son of a country veterinarian. Growing up, he enjoyed helping with his father’s beekeeping. We were told this helped to finance his veterinary college tuition. He believed in the health benefits of honey and often had his daily spoonful. He was a true believer in eating healthy.

He finished grade 12 at Virden Collegiate and – following in his father’s footsteps – he graduated from Ontario Veterinary College in 1942. His father graduated from OVC in 1905, and his brothers Kenneth and Stanley graduated from there in 1931 and 1936, respectively. David returned to Virden in 1944 to join his father’s veterinary practice. When his father passed away in 1953, David took over the practice.

With such a large area to cover, and a scarcity of rural veterinarians in the late 1940’s, the 1950’s, and the early 1960’s, David did not have much leisure time available to him. However, he served on the Virden Town Council from 1959-1966, until his departure from Virden to Winnipeg in July of 1966. Any rare leisure time was enjoyed at the cottage at Oak Lake. However, he was often tracked down by farmers with animals in distress. He worked for Health of Animals, Meat Inspection Division in Winnipeg until his retirement in 1982.

In his retirement years, David was a regular member at the Kinsmen Reh Fit Centre “grandfather’s group,” as well as the McDonald’s Coffee Group until he was 94 years old.

One of David’s greatest joys was the time he spent with his family and friends at the cottage at Caddy Lake. He always made sure everything was ship-shape. He loved to sit on the deck at the cottage, or in his backyard and watch the squirrels and birds while reminiscing about old time country veterinary medicine.

David enjoyed going on many vacations with his wife, Louise. Some of their favourite destinations were Cuba, Hawaii, Palm Springs, and Mexico. The whole family always looked forward to hearing their detailed reports after each trip.

David was in astonishingly good health, and he lived independently even past his 100th birthday. Four months later, when health challenges presented, he took these on with strength and hope, and often said that he would “FLANNEL” through these complications. He welcomed any form of exercise that was possible because, as he frequently stated, it is “BETTER TO WEAR OUT THAN RUST OUT.”

David was a gentleman of good humour and simple tastes. His greatest treasure was his family, to whom he devoted his love. His passing has left us with a huge void. We will meet again and will cherish our memories.

Many thanks to Dr. Brian Sharkey, for his many years of care and friendship. We also want to recognize David’s dear nephew, Gerry Thompson for his friendship and daily phone calls throughout the years. In addition, we would like to thank those who cared for David’s growing needs over the past year. We greatly appreciate the many healthcare workers who treated him with kindness, respect, and compassion.

At David’s request, cremation has taken place and a private family goodbye will be held later this summer.

Donations in his memory may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, or to a charity of one’s choice.

YOU WILL FOREVER BE IN OUR HEARTS.