Donald McKay Thomson

Don was born and raised in Nanaimo. He was predeceased by parents James and Janet “Nettie,” loving wife Marlyn (nee Lindsay), daughter Sharryl and sister Jean Waugh. Don leaves behind son Lindsay (Barcia), sister Wendy Hardy and son-in-law Mike Lafortune.

Papa will be deeply missed by his grandchildren Jan (Katerina), Braedon (Melissa), Michelle (Adam), Chelsea (Jared), four great-grandchildren, along with his extended family, nieces and nephews.

His niece Heather has been Dad’s guardian angel for the past several years. We do not know what we would have done without her and her husband Duke.

For many years, Don and Marlyn loved to travel the world with her sister Roberta and brother-in-law Bob Hewat. He was a very active sports enthusiast all of his life. Don still played golf at the Nanaimo Golf Club and curled at the Nanaimo Curling Club into his senior years.

Before the retirement of Marlyn’s parents, Dr. William and Helen Lindsay, Don had taken over the helm at Lindsay’s Gift & Stationery in downtown Nanaimo. With son Lindsay’s return from university, the two partnered and expanded the successful business across the province.

Don or “Donnie," as he became known, was a passionate and patriotic sports fan too. He loved his golf buddies. The group included him every week for golf and any extra-curricular activities. He was so well loved and taken take care of.

Don also assisted many young athletes over the years with their growth in sports and in life. He was a generous and kind mentor.

His close friends Leon and Christine Cake embraced him for many years, including him in every sporting event they attended: hockey, baseball, football, lacrosse, curling (watching Heather), and even equestrian competitions.

Don loved spending his winters in Scottsdale, AZ. where he had many friends. “Everyone loved Donnie,” as they would say. He had coffee every morning with 20+ people, enjoying the outdoor patio at AJ’s Grocery Store. He would play golf 3-4 times a week and work out at the gym 3 times a week. He had the same routine in Nanaimo during the summers.

Don was a founding member of Christ Community Church and a faithful servant of the Lord.

We were all blessed with his wonderful sense of humour and quick wit, listening to his stories and famous "Donnie-isms." He was always very dapper and loved to buy new clothes.

The family plans a celebration of Don’s life this summer at the Nanaimo Golf Club. Everyone will be invited.

What a wonderful life well lived!

Donations may be given in Don’s name to the MS Society or to the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation.