Obituary of Harold John Thompson
With saddened hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Harold John Thompson on April 19, 2023 with family by his side. Born in Dartmouth in June of 1934, he was the only son of the late Howard and Pauline (Russell) Thompson.
In his youth, living on Hawthorne Street in Dartmouth with his twin sister Marjorie and his younger sister Shirley, Harold enjoyed swimming and skating on nearby lakes. He was athletic and enjoyed many sports, including basketball and baseball. Harold remained active throughout his life, enjoying the outdoors, exploring nature, camping, and fishing. In later years, he became fond of curling, forming strong friendships while at the CFB Halifax Curling Club.
From 1955 to 1957, Harold attended Halifax County Vocational High School’s Automotive Mechanics program. He started his career in automotive repair working at his father’s car dealership, Thompson and Fairn, and later for Volkswagen Canada. While working and helping Phyllis raise their children, he received his Vocational Teacher’s Certificate and began his 22-year career as an Automotive Repair Instructor at the Halifax Vocational School.
Harold was a ‘jack of many trades,’ with a keen appreciation of something well-built. As a young man, he purchased land in Cole Harbour where he built a home for his future family. A devoted husband and father, he raised five children with Phyllis, his wife of 59-years. His talent for building and design extended to many projects, including constructing his own camping trailer and helping his children with their home renovations. Harold even built birdhouses to ensure that the local birds had shelter.
A lifelong animal lover, Harold had a special place in his heart for wildlife, family pets, and especially his five grand-dogs. During summer weekends, Harold and Phyllis loved exploring the Maritime region, camping with family and friends, and going on Sunday drives. An avid photographer, Harold shot film, video, and still-life photos of his life experiences. From family portraits to photos of his hot-air balloon adventure, he has left us with many snapshots of life through his lens. Going for drives along the shore, getting ice cream, and petting dogs remained highlights of his outings in later years.
Harold enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved to dance the polka, to re-tell jokes told by co-workers to his family at the dinner table, and to entertain his grandchildren with his playful sense of humor. Even when battling Alzheimer’s, he continued to make those around him smile.
Harold is survived by his five children, Beth (Peter) Tenwolde, Blaine (Jen) Thompson, Brad (Lisa) Thompson, Brent (Lorraine) Thompson, Dave (Rachael Currie) Thompson; twelve grandchildren, Jordan, Alana, Melanie, Julia, Mitchell, Jack, Emma, Nick, Dan, April, Rylan and Ayden; and two great-grandchildren, Elijah and Amayah.
Harold is also survived by his sister Shirley Creaser; his nieces Cathy, Angie, Linda; sisters-in-laws Faye (Otis) Hicks, Joan (L) Jardine, Joan (S) Jardine; brother-in-law Rick (Lynn) Jardine.
Harold was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis (Jardine) Thompson; his twin sister, Marjorie Estey; brothers-in-law, Burton Estey and Wayne Creaser; his in-laws, Forrest & Gladys Jardine; his brother-in-laws Lindon Jardine and Sterling Jardine and nephew Kevin Jardine.
A heartfelt thank you to all the caregivers who cared for Harold in his later years. A special thank you to all the staff of the second floor Glasgow Hall, Dr. Cherie Collicott, and caregivers Charlene Pollett, Rooh Jeet, and Lori Balzan for your care and compassion.
A Funeral Service will be held at Port Wallis United Church on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the SPCA or Alzheimer’s Society of NS. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4R 1B9 (902-679-2822).
