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.