Obituary of Wilford Thompson

Wilford Thompson of Camrose, Alberta was called peacefully to Heaven on November 14, 2016 at the age of 76 years. He leaves to mourn his loving wife, Elsie, son Steven, daughter Alison McQueen. His ready made family; Jim (Marilyn) Oleson, Nancy Oleson (deceased 2007) and Kathy (Ron) Streich. Grandchildren; Lori (Rob) Glowacki, Gary (Merilee) Odegard, Rod Murray (Deceased 2009), Natalie Murray (Ron Brown), Marnie (Mike) Mychalyshyn, Scott (Ashley) Streich, Brad Streich (Briana Kroetsch), and Jason McQueen; and nine great-grandchildren. Wilford Thompson was born on November 25, 1939, on a quarter section called "The Hills", in a small house 2 miles north of Miquelon Lake to Hjalmer (Jim) and Martha (Struksnes)Thompson. He was the paternal twin to brother Clifford. The family was also blessed with older siblings, sisters Marie Throndson and Yvonne Falk, and older brother Larry. Even at a young age, Wilf was a very hard worker. His first job was delivering papers for the Camrose Booster. After a period of time with the Alberta Wheat Pool, Wilf went to work on the rigs as a rig hand and soon became the owner of his own water hauling tanker. He later took employment at Burrow's Construction before joining the NADP, where he worked until his 25th year of service, upon which time he retired. Wilford and Elsie were married at Grace Lutheran Church on August 17, 1974. They were blessed with 42 wonderful years together. Retirement to Wilf meant taking on carpentry jobs for family and friends and working on various Church boards. He spent many hours at Grace working for his Heavenly Father. Wilf's work at the church was definitely a labor of love. His garage was his pride and joy. He spent many an hour in it coming up with his latest invention or solution to a fix it job. If anyone could find a solution to a problem, it was Wilf (MacGyver) You could only just shake your head in amazement at some of his solutions. His first aide kit consisted of black electrical tape, spit and any old rag. His regular safety equipment were his rubber boots. Not a week went by that Wilf wasn't sporting a purple/black fingernail, a cut on his hand or even his head. Wilf referred to himself as a Jack of all trades, but a Master of none. He could never have been more wrong. He was also a very talented artist. He would draw out every project before building them and they usually always looked just like the picture or even better. The latter years were spent with their great friends, going out for weekly date nights at Smitty's and morning coffee at Tim Hortons. The last couple weeks of Wilf's life were spent at Heritage House in Stettler, where he and Elsie spent many hours together and where Wilf worked on his writings. Wilf referred to himself as an "EVERYDAY CHRISTIAN". He said, he talked with Jesus every day and had a very strong relationship with God. His faith in his Heavenly Father never wavered, and only became stronger through his illness. Wilford's final days and hours were filled with family, laughter, prayer and singing. Lots of singing. At times it seemed that he was even singing along. Wilf passed on the early morning of the Supermoon. The largest moon in the sky since 1948. Wilford was predeceased by his parents, Hjalmer and Martha; grandson Rod Murray; brother Larry Thompson, paternal twin Clifford Thompson, and sister Yvonne Folk. A Funeral Service was held on Friday, November 18, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. from Grace Lutheran Church in Camrose with Rev. Greg Kjos officiating. Inurnment has taken place in the Camrose Cemetery. Memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to Grace Lutheran Church for the Roof Fund.