Mr. George Edward Thompson

1917 – 2013 TORONTO

George Thompson, 96, passed away at his residence in Toronto on July 9th.

With a clear passion for the Arts, George lived an interesting life filled with friends, family, painting and a love for dogs. With his brother, Bill, he was involved with the Boy Scout organization for many years. He served in the Air Force in the Second World War and has been honoured as a veteran since that time.

On his return from the war, George attended the Ontario College of Art, graduating in 1951 and his many paintings are enjoyed by family and friends. George had many careers, including a position at the Royal Ontario Museum where he worked as a designer with Harley Parker on innovative museum exhibition design; director of an art gallery in New York City; and Administrative assistant to Marshall McLuhan at the highly recognized Centre for Culture and Technology at the University of Toronto. During his time with McLuhan, he worked directly on the layout and design of McLuhan's Counterblast as well as a deck of cards with pictures and aphorisms. He was one of the original members of the Marshall McLuhan Foundation based in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, which was established for the electronic publication of McLuhan's works.

George loved to paint and sketch and belonged to the Don Valley Art Group and the Arts and Letters Club where his paintings were shown numerous times. He loved the opera, the ballet and the symphony orchestra and lived life to the full. He made friends easily, regardless of age, and inspired many young college-age students to continue on with their education. Throughout his 90s, George hosted birthday parties which were greatly anticipated by many family and friends.

George will be greatly missed by his two nieces Patti Walter (and her husband Vern) and Susan Huggins (and her husband David); one great-nephew Jordan Huggins (and his wife Alyssa); and two great-nieces Maggie Huggins and Laken Walter.

George was predeceased by his three brothers John, Jay, and Bill and his two sisters, Edith Sanborn and Eileen Thompson.

The family will receive friends at the Trull Funeral Home, 2704 Yonge Street, Toronto on Sunday, July 14 between 2:00 and 4:00 pm. Funeral services will also be at the Trull Funeral Home on Monday, July 15 at 11:00 am.