Harold Raymond Thomson was born amid a snowstorm, on Tuesday, January 22, 1946. As the story was told, his parents were en route to the hospital, when the weather forced them to pull into their neighbours, Fred and Dorothy Friar’s. Harold was not prepared to wait and therefore was welcomed into the world by the four of them in the Friar home on the 6th of Elderslie. He joined his older brother, Elroy (1944), and was later followed by younger siblings, Ron (1951), Joan (1958), and Brad (1962). The Thomson family resided on the 6th of Elderslie where they operated a mixed farm. The children attended the Red Schoolhouse (S.S. #6 Elderslie) before heading off to high school in Chesley. Harold would be the first to admit that he wasn’t much for school and lasted a total of about six months.
By this time, Harold had his license and had earned the nickname, “Roadrunner” from his father. Harold joked that he was to busy driving livestock to Kitchener for Paul Watson, his teacher, to be able to go to school… Lol! As one can expect, trucking was very different at that time as Harold transported 4 – 5 animals per trip on his father’s 65’ Dodge 300 (1 ton). When not running the roads, Harold could be found helping his parents milking cows, as well as working with his father, and Elroy at the family sawmill. In 1971, Harold bought his first truck, a Chevy 2-ton. Again, he mostly dealt with livestock, with his mother acting as his part-time secretary, Harold worked hard to build his name and business. During these early years, he made countless trips to Bender’s in Paisley as well as Brown’s Meat Market in Chesley. In the winter months, Harold could often be found plowing the roads of Elderslie Township, as a wingman, along with Murray Nicoll and Bob Byers.
By the early 80’s Harold and Wayne Schwartz had formed a working relationship doing snow removal in Hanover. Their partnership grew in the years following as together they started Chesley Backhoe Service in 1984, with Harold’s brother, Brad, acting as their backhoe operator. Harold worked hard, and thankfully success followed him, as he added another truck, float, bucket machine, and pay loader, to his fleet in the coming years. As he put it, he was often a “One Man Show” and called upon family and close friends when he needed help with bigger jobs.
In 1991, the Thomson family was preparing for Harold’s brother, Ron’s upcoming wedding. As fate would have it the bride-to-be’s sister, Mary Hallam, caught Harold’s eye. Following the wedding and in the coming months the two began dating before purchasing a home together in Dobbinton. The year was 1996. Harold continued to operate his business from their home for the next 16 years until he began to slow down in 2012. Together with Mary, they found the perfect retirement property on the 14th of Brant. The extra space was important as Harold needed to build a shop to hold all his toys. Although there were many favourites through the years, his 1968 baby blue Volkswagen Beetle, 1972 Ford 750 dump truck, and 2000 grey Chrysler Sebring convertible were on the top of the list. It was not uncommon to see Harold, and often Mary, out for a ride to enjoy the sights and countryside. Retirement afforded Harold some extra time whereby he and Mary experienced Florida a couple of times and drove out west in 2017. Unfortunately, this was the same year that Harold was initially diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a form of blood cancer. With the support of Mary, family, and friends, Harold underwent several rounds of treatments as well as blood transfusions. Although never easy, Harold tried to make the best of these trips with family and friends, and I am told was particularly fond of the honey garlic chicken wings at Swiss Chalet… but I will let Chuck Thomson finish that story. Another of Harold’s favourites was Chinese food, and he rarely passed up the opportunity when presented to him. These medical appointments also afforded Harold to experience two of his favourite pastimes, going for a drive and enjoying a good conversation. In the quieter winter months, Harold could often be found putting in time in front of the television watching Wheel of Fortune or a hockey game.
Sadly, in the last few years, and more particularly in recent months, Harold’s health has declined further, whereby he and Mary downsized again calling Chesley home in September of 2024. As most of us know, getting rid of our “stuff” and toys is hard but thankfully Harold donated his prized 72’ Ford 750 to the Bruce County Heritage Association, so we will all be able to enjoy it for years to come. He was also instrumental in helping establish, a build the Heritage Trail in Chesley.
Harold was a loving family man, who was extremely dedicated to not only his job, and business, but to those of us who called him family or friend. His smile and many stories will live on in all of us for years to come.
Sadly, Harold passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. He was 78 years old.
Loving partner and best friend of Mary Hallam. Cherished brother of Ron (Linda) of Paisley, Joan Gibbons, and Brad (Darlene), all of Chesley. Harold will be fondly remembered by Mary’s siblings, Steve (Tracy) Hallam, and Judy (Wayne) Murray, as well as by his many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dearly missed by his four-legged and driving companions, Gwen, and Sandy. Harold was predeceased by his brother Elroy, and parents Robert and Marion (Smart) Thomson.
Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Wednesday from 5 – 8 p.m. A memorial service honouring Harold’s life will be held at the Klages Mill, Chesley on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at 11 a.m. Inurnment in Chesley Cemetery Columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Chesley Hospital Foundation or Brightshores Health System Owen Sound Foundation, two facilities that provided amazing care and compassion to Harold during his illness, would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
Our deepest sympathy to Mary and the Thomson family. Harold will be missed, his wonderful chats, great wave and his sense of humour. He was one of a kind and will not be forgotten, fly high Harold.
My condolences to Harold’s entire family.
He was always a friend with a smile and kind words.
I’ll always recall how he took the time to give our young daughter a ride with him on his bulldozer after finishing up a job.
Later years when him and Mary moved into a home just south of here it was wonderful to get a big wave from him as he was out in one of his prized rides.
I so sorry to hear of the loss of a great man. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family. When I think of Harold I think of long ago memories- Friday night buckets of KFC, sticks of juicy fruit and a kind, hardworking young man. He will be greatly missed by his family and very large circle of friends. Rest in peace friend!
My deepest sympathy to Mary, Ron, Brad, Joan and the entire Thomson family. I will always remember Harold’s kindness and his smile. May God give you strength and comfort knowing that he is home with the lord. God Bless.
Harold always lived life to the fullest. Always found to be smiling and waving when met on the road. Many visits over the years where big hugs were shared and lots of good stories were told. Rest easy Harold, you will be dearly missed. Our sympathy to Mary, Ron, Brad , Joan and families.
So many fond memories of Harold. A friend for many years. From travelling adventures, birthday parties, snowblowing our driveway at the farm, to most recently having many visits together enjoying meals and sharing stories. Always a wave when met on the road. A true friend till the end who will be greatly missed. Harold was one of a kind. Our deepest sympathy to Mary, Ron, Brad, Joan and families
To Mary and the Thomson family
I wish to send you all my deepest sympathies in your recent loss of Harold. Harold was a loving and caring friend to all and will be greatly missed by many.
My husband , Larry will be waiting in heaven to continue another of many conversations with Harold and Elroy With sincere hugs and prayers to you all
Judy Loker
Mary and Thomson family our sincere condolences at this difficult time! Harold was a wonderful man who I have known for many years. Always enjoyed our conversations and will cherish many memories
Mary & Family:
Sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. He was a wonderful person will be truly missed.
Sincere Condolences,
Peggy Patterson
We wish to express our sincere condolences in the passing of this wonderful man. He had such a joyful spirit and always brightened the lives of all of us who were fortunate enough to have his friendship. Rest in Peace Harold. You will be missed.
Our sincere condolences to Mary and family. He was such a friendly man. He will be missed.
Our Condolence to Mary and Thomson family.
Harold was well known and liked great person.
Our deepest sympathies to Mary and the Thomson families. Harold was a kind, thoughtful friend and neighbour who always had time to stop and chat, share a funny story and was very welcoming to us when we moved to the 8th of Elderslie. We valued our friendship with Harold and will miss his wave as he drove by.
Steve, Tracy and family
Please accept our sincere condolences. We have heard many wonderful things about Harold …he will be missed. Treasure the memories
Sincere condolences to Mary and the entire Thomson family. Thoughts of Harold bring a smile and picture of him driving through town in his blue “Ringo” … a big waive and if the boys were with us – honking of the horn!!
He will be missed by many.
Our sincere condolences to Mary and the Thomson families. Harold will always be remembered for his pleasant conversations, waves, nods and smiles.
What can I add to the list of friends that remember Harold as I do. His smile, his laughter, wit and always some time to say “HELLO” He was a hard worker and always found time to help out. I would see him driving truck hauling loads of corn or other to get the crop into the barn. His wave was always there. He will be missed by many. He was appreciated by all who knew him. Rest in Peace. Peter and Ann
Sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. My sympathies to the families.
Sincere sympathy to Mary and the Thomson family. Harold will be missed by everyone that knew him. Thinking of you all at this sad time.
So sorry to hear of Harold’s passing my sympathy to Mary and the Thomson family
So very sorry for your loss.My sympathies to the Family.
Sending our deepest condolences to the Thomson family. Harold will sure be missed.
Our deepest sympathy to Mary, Ron, Joan, Brad and families. So sorry to hear of Harolds passing. He was a great neighbour over the past few years. We will surely miss those friendly waves. Harold has been a long time friend to our family and he will truly be missed by all who knew him. Cherish all those great memories. Thinking of you at this difficult time. ❤️
Mary, and the entire Thomson family.
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Harold. He was a great friend and will be remembered by us for his work and visits, and the smile!!! Trusting that memories will help you through the difficult times.
Sincere sympathy Mary and family.
My deepest sympathy to all at the loss of such a friendly and outgoing man.
Our sympathy to Mary and the Thomson family. Harold always had a smile and a wave! No matter how busy he was he always made time to help people out. He will be missed by not only his family and friends but the community as well. Rest in peace Harold.
So, sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. Sending deepest condolences to you Mary, and families. Great memories are held of his enthusiastic and jolly nature with many birthdays cakes shared together in years past. Praying for your comfort and peace at this difficult time. Psalm 34:18 – The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
My sincere condolences to you Mary, and to the Thomson and Hallam families. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I always looked forward to You, Harold and Gwen’s visits.
Rest In Peace Harold. You will be missed.
Our deepest condolences to the families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May your happy memories of Harold bring you some comfort and peace. He was a great man. God Bless.
Mary, Brad, Ron and Joan
Our condolences to you and family. Harold always time to chat. RIP
Our deepest sympathy to all.
Condolences to the entire Thomson family
Mary and Family:
Sorry to hear of Haold’s passing. May the memories live on in your hearts.
Bob & Dale Kelly
Mary, so sorry to hear of Harolds passing.
I remember fondly the visits you both made to our home on the 10 th of Bruce.
We are sorry to hear of Harold s passing,to meet Harold he always had a big wave RIP.
Sincerest Condolences Mary, Ron, and Linda. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
I am sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. To Mary, Brad, Ron, and the entire family, I am sorry for your loss. May your treasured memories comfort you at this time.
My deepest sympathy to Mary and family. Harold was a very happy person whenever you met him.
My deepest condolences to all.
Cherish the memories ❤️
Our deepest condolences to Mary and the Thomson family. We always enjoyed our conversations with Harold. His enthusiasm & smile will be missed.
With my sincere sympathy to Mary and the Thomson family. Harold was a great fellow, always willing to help and always with a positive attitude. Mary and Harold were wonderful and helpful neighbours and I appreciated having them nearby over the years. Rest in peace, Harold.
Another good old boy from Dobbinton
Harold you will be missed.
Our deepest condolences Mary, Ron and Linda, and the rest of the family. We are thinking of all of you at this difficult time.
Sorry to hear of Harold’s passing.Many fond memories of him over the years.
Mary,,,Ron,Brad and Joan.
Sending our sympathy and prayers to you all.We knew Harold all our lives.He was a great guy,honest,friendly always on the move.R.I.P. Harold.
Sorry to hear about Harold.
He was always smiling & laughing. He has had a long battle but still tried to stay cheerful.
Keep only the good memories.
Sympathy to you all.
Our deepest sympathy!
Harold touched so very many people’s lives. Always with a smile and often a laugh. His conversation would start with “hey Lorna remember when……” and we would both have a chuckle. He was a wonderful neighbour and friend.
Till we meet again RIP 🙏
Our sincerest condolences to Mary and the entire Thomson family. Harold was a great man, neighbor and friend and will be greatly missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Sorry to hear about Harold’s passing, my sympathy to the family