Obituary of John Thompson

Thompson, A.E. John B.Comm, C.A., Philosophical Accountant March 24, 1927 – November 5, 2019 Predeceased by his beloved spouse, Lois (McDougall), just before their 59th wedding anniversary, special friend, Marjorie Scott, and beloved daughter, Criss. Survived with love by his children, Lynn, Doug, and Jamie (Libby), and grandchildren Duncan (Hannah), Chester, Celeste Hennelly (Kevin), Islay Fitzgerald (Liam), Rosalie (Troy), and Faryn (Jamo), and great grandchildren, Blake and Caden Hennelly, and daughters-in-law, Avon MacFarlane and Elaine MacNeill. Fondly remembered also by his friends in The Elliott Community, Guelph, Ontario, who refer to John as "a center of affection" and "a stabilizing influence in the community." Arthur Edgar John Thompson grew up in the village of Brooklin, Ontario, attended Victoria College at the University of Toronto, where he met Lois on the tennis courts. With the encouragement of his father, John became a Chartered Accountant with Price Waterhouse in Toronto. With his growing interest in tax policy, John and Lois made the move to Ottawa with their young family, where he held senior positions with the Royal Commission on Taxation, and later, with the Department of Finance. John took part in the major tax reforms of 1972 which included (to the dismay of some friends!) the taxation of capital gains. Many wonderful years in Ottawa with their young family, including happy summers at their cottage on Otty Lake. After a year-long sabbatical in Cambridge, MA, there was an exciting move to Oakville in 1977 when John returned to tax practice as a partner with Coopers & Lybrand (Toronto). John continued consulting on tax policy, including the then-new GST. In Oakville, he and Lois made many great friends, which included tennis and comradery at the Oakville Club. Inspired by retirement in 1989, John and Lois relocated to Victoria, BC, where they became involved in SAGE research and discussion groups, which John claimed were the best kind of education he’d ever had. John’s passion for learning continued when he helped to establish Peer Learning Groups in Guelph. To be closer to grandchildren in Toronto, he and Lois moved to Guelph in 1994. With his deep and inquiring mind, John became quite a prolific writer in his later years, and referred to himself as a Philosophical Accountant. He self-published two books, Touchstones for Living, in which he set out his basic thoughts on human existence (accompanied by his favourite photographs), and Mysteries of Life, that explored the importance of spiritual evolution, relating his ideas to Christianity. In addition to his life-long passion for photography, his other favourite pastimes were camping, canoeing, tennis, badminton, bridge, and singing in the Guelph Men’s Club Choir. And, of course, crokinole! During the challenging years as Lois was gradually overcome by Alzheimer’s, John was grateful for the love and support from his family and friends, including Marjorie Scott and her family. Thanks to the nursing staff and doctors at Guelph General Hospital. John’s family expresses their deep appreciation to the wonderful staff of The Elliott Community for their loving care of Lois and John over many years since 2006. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at The Elliott Community Chapel at 170 Metcalfe Street, Guelph, ON N1E 4Y3. John’s family welcomes you to arrive and visit 1:30-2:30, celebrate with tributes and music 2:30-3:30 and stay afterward for refreshments 3:30-4:30 pm. Arrangements entrusted to the GILCHRIST CHAPEL – McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph. Contributions may be made in memory of John to The Elliott Community, Dublin Street United Church (Guelph), The Alzheimer Society of Canada, or Project Ploughshares, and would be appreciated. We invite you to leave your memories and donations online at: www.gilchristchapel.com and they will be forwarded to the family. Service Information Service Date Saturday, November 23, 2019 Service Time 2:30 p.m. Service Location The Elliott Chapel Visitation Nov 23, 2019 Visitation Time 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Visitation Location The Elliott Chapel Requested Charity The Elliott Community, Alzheimer Society of Canada, Dublin Street United Church or Project Ploughsha