It is with profound sadness the family announces the passing of Melvin John Henry Thompson. On July 1, 2022 Melvin passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospital surrounded by loved ones at the age of 86.
Melvin was born April 1st, 1936 in Fort William, Ontario where he lived his whole life. He joined his Father and brother at Manitoba Pool 3 Elevators where he spent over 30 years of employment before retiring in 1995. Melvin met his first wife Marie Bilcowski in 1960 and raised a family of five boys. He was later blessed with meeting and falling in love with Shirley Milkovich. They married and settled into their family home on Egan Street.
Travelling and exploration became a passion of Melvin's and over the course of several years he shared many adventures and wonderful memories with his companion Gladys Gerolami, until her passing in 2003. Ruby Klusa came in to his life in his later years and they spent 10 wonderful years together until her passing in 2016.
Fishing was one of his favourite past times and he spent many hours on numerous lakes throughout the region. Melvin’s greatest joy was the time spent with family, especially the many years at the Thompson camp at Green Point. He was a very generous man both with his family and the many charities he supported every year.
Predeceased by his mother Myrtle Eva Hoard, Father George Alfred Ernest Thompson, Brother Ernie Thompson, Spouse Shirley Thompson, Spouse Ruby Klusa and most recently his son Kerry Maclam. Melvin is survived by sons Donald Maclam (Charlene), Bob Maclam, Frank Thompson (Jacky), Kevin Thompson, Step Daughter Angie Heath (John), Sister Sandra Knibbs (Bob) as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their gratitude to all the wonderful staff at the TBRHSC and St. Joseph’s Hospital who cared for Melvin in his final weeks. Special thanks to Jennifer on 5 South who cared for Melvin with such compassion and providing the beautiful quilt that gave him comfort and warmth in his final hours, compliments of Thunder Bay Quilters (Hospice).
Funeral Services will be held at Harbourview Funeral Centre on Monday, July 11, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service starting at 10:00 a.m. As expressions of sympathy donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
