I remember your hearty laugh,
How every situation had a comical side,
the talks that meant so much to me,
How calm you could make me feel in sorry times and in happy times,
I loved you so much, for being you
For Rob, Love from Carol Ann Hudson
William Arthur Robert “Rob” Thomson was born Thursday, November 5, 1959 at the Mt. Sinai Hospital in Toronto to Jean Elizabeth (Robertson) and Robert Floyd Thomson. He was the youngest of three children, Deborah (born 1955) and Margaret Elizabeth (born 1957). As with most big sisters, Deborah claimed him as her own baby when he came home from the hospital. From Rob’s father’s second relationship, Rob and his sisters got a new half brother Tim Thomson in 1966.
Rob’s first home was 265 Pacific Avenue in the High Park District of Toronto and his first school was Alexander Muir Public School, Parkdale, Toronto. He then attended General Mercer Public School and this was followed by Frank Oake High school from 7-12. Rob’s Mom moved a number of times and thus Rob attended a number of schools!
A few cute stories of Rob’s school years…. In school, his classroom had a hen and a number of eggs and the students were to wait for them to hatch. Well, Rob and friend went home, took a dozen eggs out of the fridge and sat on them! Hee, hee. My guess is that they could have sat for a very long time and they would never have hatched. Then there was the day that Rob gave the fish a bubble bath. Rob’s mother could not figure out why they were all dying. Yikes!
After finishing work at Winners in Brampton in 2010 Rob moved up to Chesley in 2011 and has lived there since then. As the sign states, Chesley is the nicest town around and he loved the quietness of it, the scenery and he found that the people didn’t bother him. Rob had a number of friends in his apartment building; Dale Weis (who has passed away) Alvin Ruthven, Ron and Fran (whom he often had tea with), Pat, Mark and Sue, to name a few. Just two and a half years ago he met Carol Ann Hudson. Rob was lucky enough to have been loved and cared for by her. And in turn, Carol Ann was, and is, also lucky enough to have had Rob’s love. Of course, Rob had his dad in his life sometimes but he looked up to his uncle Jim Robertson as did the rest of his sisters and cousins.
Rob had a major corny sense of humour for which he was always known for. In fact, he was totally a major Cornball, just like his Dad’s corny humour – the kind you say ‘oh brother’ to. Rob smiled a lot and was really friendly. He worked hard to bring people out of a ‘funk’ and to solve problems. Rob had a big heart, was generous of spirit, very loving and wanted to see the best in everyone. Rob’s mom taught her children to make their own judgment by knowing the person themselves. Subsequently, Rob would help anyone! “Fun-loving” would be a great word to describe him, as would “caring,” “passionate,” “gentle” and “social.” If the truth be told, “smart ass” is probably one of the best words to describe this joker and storyteller!
Rob had a number of interests over the years, the greatest being Model Trains (N Scale) and weather gadgets. The weather truly fascinated Rob! He also loved taking pictures and going on walks to find great scenery for these pictures. Of course, then spring and summer were his favourite seasons and powder blue was his favourite colour. He was very mechanically and electronically inclined. As a young teen, he showed these talents, fashioning speakers and radio and attaching them to his metal bunk bed.
Rob’s Mom was a great cook and subsequently, he loved to eat her shepherd’s pie but also enjoyed fish and chips the most. All in all, though, it was not her food he loved the most it was his Mom! She was smart and a fantastic singer often singing in some clubs and even sang on a radio talent night in Wingham.
Watching TV was a great pastime for Rob, especially watching the weather networks and news on his 48” TV! He loved playing PS3, his ebike and his family heirloom, his bedroom suite! Rob was not much of a card player but did enjoy playing board games. Just recently he and Carol Ann purchased a crokinole board and they enjoyed playing that. In terms of listening to music Rob really liked the country-western music from the 1950’s and 60’s (especially Dolly Parton) as well as bluegrass. However, he was not much of a reader nor a dancer.
Sadly Rob was diagnosed with Cancer in 2001, and after a major operation, he went through chemotherapy treatments. Despite his persistence in treatment, his cancer returned many times. Therefore, another word that could be used to describe Rob would be courageous! Just weeks before his death, Robert was still undergoing chemotherapy.
Robert passed away at South Bruce Grey Health Centre, Chesley on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 in his 61st year.
Loving partner of Carol Ann Hudson. Cherished brother of Deborah Sampson of Hanover, Margaret Bailey and Timothy Thomson, both of Brampton. Rob will be dearly missed by his nieces and nephews Jodie Sampson (Don Wilson), Jordan Sampson, Jeanette Bailey, Jeffery Ellis as well as great-nephew Wallace and great-niece Saoirse. He was predeceased by niece Ashley Sampson, nephew Matthew Sampson and his parents Jean (Robertson) and Robert Thomson.
A casual visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 from 2 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 5 p.m. Interment in Chesley Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to The Women’s Centre Grey-Bruce Inc. would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
