It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Doug at the age of 91. He is reunited with his beloved wives Evelyn (1968) and Sandra (2022). Loving father to Doug (2004), Pam Campobasso (Mike), Joseph (Heidi), Susan Timmie, Kerri Thomas (Paul, 2017) and Tom (2004) and their respective families. Cherished grandpa and great grandpa to many. He is predeceased by his parents Jessie and Fred and brother Fred and sister Fern. He is survived by his brother Bob. He will be dearly missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. 

Doug dedicated over 35 years to teaching, coaching and refereeing in the Windsor, Essex community. He enjoyed spending his winters in Arizona. Doug was an avid sports fan and competitive player in many sports. 

If so desired, donation can be made to the Canadian Cancer society. 

As per Doug’s wishes cremation has taken place. A celebration of Doug’s life will take place on Friday June 28, 2024 at Victoria Greenlawn Funeral Home (1525 Hwy #3 Oldcastle, ON N0R1L0 226-799-5045) from 10am until time of chapel service at 11am.

It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Michael Robert Thomson ( September 05, 1945) has left our world. Mike passed peacefully in his sleep, March 23, 2024. Mike was the loving supportive husband to Cheryl,(Sherry Brode) proud doting father to son Christopher, (Kristy Hastings Thomson) and Daughter Kathryn(Katy) and dedicated fun loving Grandpa to Jonah, Grayson, Janosch, Lucia, and Edda. Mike was predeceased by his parents, Bob and Joyce (Toots) Thomson. Surviving in sadness is his dear sister Patricia and brother in law Ed Lumley. Pat was the protective big sister even though Mike towered over her. Mike so loved her attentive phone calls and encouragement and support. Pat and Ed made Mike a proud first time Uncle. Their five children began the parade of nieces and nephews and now “grands” that total several dozens. Sherry’s family gave Mike a very extended family, close endearing in laws, Donna and Dr. Frank DeMarco, Janice and Andrew McClelland, Kevin Brode and Nancy Lauzon, the youngest sister Karen Brode is deceased. And beloved mother in law Patricia Brode, Matriarch of the Brode family. Mike enjoyed close bonds with inherited Aunts and Uncles, and again several dozen cousins, nieces and nephews. Mike had many gifts and talents. Intelligence, patience and a sense of humour served him well in his chosen profession as an educator. He was proud of his headship in Physical Education, and being one of the pioneers teaching Dramatic Arts in Secondary Schools. His love of theatre particularly Broadway musicals lead to numerous school performances under his direction. He enjoyed many years associated with Windsor Light(Opera) Music Theatre. He met his wife there, and continued to perform on stage, behind the scenes, and served on the Board of Directors and also held office of President for Windsor Light. Another passion was sports. In his teaching career he coached teams in basketball, baseball, football, wrestling, gymnastics, track and field. Extracurricular activities included sports as a spectator, participant, coach, referee, and official. He was a member of Windsor Curling Club, Kingsville Golf Course, and Windsor Referees Association. Mike played volleyball, and baseball with WECSSO until recently. As he aged out of playing some sports, he had more free time to enjoy challenging bridge games and reading in his recliner, and on the porch. He loved printed books, and newspapers, tending to shun electronics. Mike and Sherry loved to travel. When the family was young they enjoyed camping on cross country trips throughout Canada and USA. Retirement brought more grand and exotic travel with adventures to Asia, Africa, Europe, North and South America. For the past several years Mike lived the good life on Cocoa Beach, at Royale Towers for a couple of months each winter, where he and Sherry developed a new circle of wonderful friends. Mike played many roles in life. Character roles on stage, different roles on fields, arenas, and stadiums, but no doubt his favorite role was family man. Profoundly dedicated to his wife and children, grandchildren and extended family. Extended family included close friends who are like family, especially the Poker Family. Mike was given the best Christmas ever last December when Katy travelled with her children to be with us for the holiday. The entire family with Chris, Kristy and their boys ushered in the New Year with a few days skiing together and staying together in northern Michigan. (Thank you Brett/Terry) Mike was elated to be at the table surrounded by his family all together. Mike’s activities, achievements and accolades are too numerous to mention. He will be remembered for his great big smile, a great big presence in any room, and a great big heart, open to everyone and anyone. We have been blessed by his presence in our lives. We will mend our broken hearts with happy memories and in homage to Mike and his example, live a life of commitment, compassion, congeniality and a kind of care free joie de vivre. Cremation has taken place. We will celebrate this good guy, and his really good life, Tuesday April 23. Family will greet visitors at the Legion 594, 5030 Howard, 2-4 also from 5-6. Service with Fr. Larry Brunet at 6:00, followed by camaraderie and fellowship, at Legion 594.
If desired memorial donations may be made to Heart and Stroke, Windsor Light Music Theatre, Hospice Windsor Essex County.
Eternal rest grant onto him oh Lord, and let perpetual Light shine upon him. ❤️