Obituary of Maurice John Thompson

THOMPSON, Maurice John. Maurice (Mort) was born in Cobourg, Ontario, and passed away peacefully on March 15, 2017 in Newmarket, Ontario at the age of 86 years. Husband for 26 years to Jill Would (nee Wahrer). Proud Dad with Karen of Christopher and Timothy. Father in law to Yves Zsutty and Matthew Campbell. Adoring Papa to granddaughters Elliette, Adelaide and Cordelia. Big brother to Donald and his wife Grace. Uncle to Bryan Foley, Robin and Scott and their families. Respected step dad / granddad to Larry and Glenn Would and their families. Predeceased by his parents James and Hazel Thompson, sister Evelyn Foley and niece Carolyn Best. Maurice – or "Mort" to his best friends and GM colleagues - spent his formative years on his grandparent's farm in Baltimore, Ontario. His boundless energy was spent on chores and participation in many sports. In 1956, his parents purchased a cottage on Lake Simcoe, which changed the course of family history. "The Lake" or "The Cottage" was – and remains – the gathering place for family and friends and the location of countless Davey family reunions. He was happiest at the cottage waterskiing and skating or simply looking at the lake or going for a swim – usually right before dinner to rinse off the dirt that covered most of his body after digging holes around the garden! His love for speed, cars and engineering put him on a course for a life at General Motors – the defining period of his life. He finally retired from "the Motors" at age 75 after a remarkable and accomplished career. Some of Maurice's wonderful qualities included a healthy sense of humour, commitment to family, quiet supportive acts of kindness to family and friends, thrift, steadfastness, grit, steely determination and an unparalleled capacity for hard work. Sincere gratitude and appreciation to Dr. John Hall, Dr. Adriana Bida, Southlake Regional Health Centre staff in the Musculoskeletal and Geriatric Medicine areas and his compassionate caregivers from Bayshore Home Health who made the last few months of his life more comfortable and dignified. Jill, Christopher and Timothy thank family and friends for their unwavering support and kindness. Lewy Body Dementia is a cruel, wicked disease that shows no mercy to victims or the people around them. Maurice fought fiercely and bravely to maintain his dignity and quality of life until the end. He died as he lived: on his own terms. Visitation will be held at Forrest and Taylor Funeral Home, 20846 Dalton Road, Sutton West, Ontario on Friday, March 24th 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at Knox United Church, 34 Market Street, Sutton West, Ontario on Saturday, March 25th at 1pm with visitation in the Church at 12 noon. In the spirit of celebration, Maurice suggested attire incorporating his favourite colours of red or orange. Immediately after the service, Jill, Christopher and Timothy invite you to a time of fellowship and refreshment in the Church Hall. Memorial donations can be directed to Knox United Church or Royal University Hospital Foundation (Birthing or Newborn Care Unit) in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Memorial condolences may be made at www.forrestandtaylor.com