Obituary of Thomas Allen Erle Thompson

To view the recording of the service, please click here

Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at WRHN at Queen's Boulevard in his 100th year. 

Survived by his eight children, Carol, Marshall (Dawn), Robin (Beverly), Colleen, Elizabeth (Allan), Allan, David (Julie), and Steven (Natalia). His legacy also lives on in his 26 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren

Predeceased by his beloved wife, Marilyn (née Lucas), as well as his parents Chesley & Ina (née Gracie), brothers and sisters, Mildred, Arden, Georgina, Ralph, Percy, Joyce, Susan, William, and Betty.

He began his distinguished Military Career at the age of 17, enlisting as a machinist in the Royal Canadian Ordinance Corps in 1943. In 1944, he was rebadged into the newly formed Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME) Corps, where he later became an armourer (421 Weapons Tech Land). His 36 years of service took him to postings across Canada -including Vancouver, Shilo, London, Borden, Hamilton, Kingston, Ottawa and Montreal - as well as overseas to Germany in 1953, and again in 1974. He retired from the military in 1979.

He then began a second career in Kitchener with Diemaco (now Colt Canada), working in Product Support Engineering for 10 years before fully retiring in 1989.

Dad and Mom shared a lifelong passion for curling and golf. A dedicated golfer, he achieved three holes-in-one; an accomplishment he was especially proud of. In retirement, they spent many winters in Lakeland, Florida, enjoying the sunshine and playing golf almost every day. He also took part in the RCEME Golf Tournament in Borden and cherishing the family tradition of a birthday round of golf each September, continuing to play well into his nineties, even at age 96.

Dad will be fondly remembered for the many stories he shared of his youth, his military and civilian life, and the laughter and memories he created with family and friends. He had a wonderfully funny sense of humour, a sharp mind and a fantastic smile that always moved from his lips to his eyes. He was known among family members for his famous one liners like "Dozy Sod". He never missed an opportunity to be with his family or to let us know how much we were loved. Life goes on however it will never be the same without him by our sides. 

Special thanks to Dr. Zawawi and the nurses and support staff at WRHN Queen's Boulevard for the care and compassion they provided Dad during his stay. 

Family and friends are invited to share their memories of Tom with his family during the visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, Ontario, on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes RC Church, 173 Lourdes Street West, Waterloo, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Stephen Murrin officiating. A reception will follow in the Parish hall downstairs.

A livestream and recording of the service will made available on Thomas' tribute page at www.erbgood.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, WRHN Queen's Blvd, or the Canadian Cancer Society which may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com