Arthur Clare Thompson
May 4, 1931 – Mar 12, 2021
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Clare Thompson on March 12, 2021, just 7 weeks following his wife, after a brave fight against cancer.
Arthur Clare Thompson was born on Monday, May 4, 1931 in Glenboro, MB. He moved to the Dryden area as a child and in August of 1950, Clare and Elaine were married. Clare was the railway station agent in Eagle River, then in Dyment, eventually settling in Wabigoon. After spending a few years building boats at DryCraft, Clare started painting, wallpapering, building cedar strip canoes, specially ordered cabinets and furniture on his own. Eventually, Clare and Elaine opened Thompson’s Paint Shop in Dryden where they worked together until retirement.
Clare loved the outdoors, spending many family times camping and fishing in the summer and snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter. Clare enjoyed hunting, especially with the bow. He was a true craftsman, enjoying carving, leather work, and various woodworking projects. In his later years, Clare took pleasure in writing short stories and binding the books to share with family and friends.
Clare was involved with the archery club for many years, and a member of the Ham Radio Society.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Clare was an active member in the Rotary club. His roles included being the President and the District Governor, which took him to many parts of the world. He was involved in the student exchange program and remained in touch with many of the students throughout time. He was presented with numerous Paul Harris awards and was recently granted lifetime membership.
Clare is survived by his children Carol (Gordon) Boyd and Mark (Laurie) Thompson. He will be forever missed by grandchildren Kristie (Patrick) Smith, Curtis (Tracy) Thompson, and Darby (Kelly) Boyd, and always remembered by the 4 great-grandchildren Matthew, Sam, Madeline, and Lilly.
A Memorial Funeral Service will take place at a later date due to Covid restrictions.
Should friends desire, donations may be made in Clare’s memory to The Rotary Foundation through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3.
Condolences may be posted at www.dcfh.ca
