Skip to content

James THOMPSON

March 3, 2005

THOMPSON James Ernest Thompson of Innisfail passed away on Sunday, February 27, 2005, at the age of 83 years. Ernie was born in Bowden on January 19, 1922. He grew up on the family farm near Buffalo Creek. Ernie enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force the day after he gra- duated from Innisfail High School, and served his country in the European air war theatre from 1941 to 1946. He met the love of his life, Rita in Brussels, Belgium, where they were married. After returning to Alberta, Ernie farmed and later worked at the Bowden Refinery, owned and operated the Ref- inery Shell Gas Station, and later worked at the Bowden Institution until he retired in 1984. His passion for flying was lifelong, and he was a founding member of the Innisfail Flying Club, serving in all capacities over many years. Ernie was a quiet, private man who took great pride in his yard and home. He was a gifted mech- anic, machinist, welder and carpenter. He was meticulous and paid great attention to detail. Ernie especially enjoyed his family of twelve children, and had a special loving relationship with his grandchildren. He loved family gatherings, good stories and laughter. Ernie was a gifted photographer, and has an ext- ensive photographic record of his war years, which will become his legacy. Ernie leaves to mourn his many friends; his wife of 59 years, Rita; a sister Nina Young; three daughters Michele Brewster (Ab) Monique Wood (Bill), Chantal Bennett (Kevin), nine sons; Roly (Jeannie), Allan (Faye), Bruce (Annie), Marc, Pat, Michael (Margaret), Stephen (Colleen), Dwayne (Lorna), and youngest son, David. Ernie is survived by 25 grandchildren and 11 Great Grandchildren. Ernie was pre- deceased by his parents; John (1955), Isabel (1967), brothers Bruce (1913), Willard 1st RCAF Bomber Command (1945); sister Irene Stuart (1967), nephew Don Thompson (2004) and a very special and be loved granddaughter Amanda Thompson (2001). Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 4, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion, Innisfail with Father Seifert officiating. Interment will follow at the Bowden Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to: METCALF FUNERAL CHAPEL 4200-49 Avenue, Innisfail. Phone 403-227-3123