March 11, 1921 - February 16, 2025
James Robert Thomson has passed away, peacefully at home, just shy of his 104th birthday. He will be dearly missed by his family who were lucky enough to have him in their lives for so many years.
A lifetime resident of the North Shore, Jim was born at home on Moody Avenue in North Van, during a snow storm. The second child of Eric and Mary Thomson, he grew up with older sister Inga and younger brother Will. His childhood was spent in North Van, with the freedom to explore and enjoy its natural beauty from Seymour and Lynn Creek to Grouse Mountain. His parents brought him to camp and spend each summer on the shores of Hopkins Landing starting in 1927. A lifetime passion for this beautiful place was born, and he built his own cottage there in 1965. Jim spent many happy summers on its shores, building houses, bringing up his family, swimming, sailing, digging ditches, and maintaining the waterfront community path. He was a good man. Jim enlisted in the RCAF in WW2. His critical eye and attention to detail made him an invaluable asset to the Aircraft Inspection Department, a little known but vital part of Canada's war effort. He inspected wooden components such as main spars and tail plane assemblies for aircraft such as the Mosquito, Catalina (PBY) and the Anson trainer. Discharged as a sergeant in 1946, Jim became a woodwork teacher, teaching shops for one year in Wells BC and then 35 years at West Van Secondary. He appreciated the good students he had, who were legion. It can safely be said that he made a difference in people's lives. A teaching colleague at Pauline Johnson Elementary (Lois Humphrey), introduced Jim to her daughter, Maddie. Dad said it was love at first sight. They married in 1951. A long and happy marriage ensued till Maddie's passing in 2019. Grouse Mountain was a playground for them in the late 40's and 50's. Jim built a cabin just below The Cut, before the village Chairlift was built. All building materials were carried on Jim's back from the Mountain Highway to the building site. As well as being an avid hiker, Jim skied until he was 74. He made many friends over his long life, some in the most random way, often through an act of kindness, long before this became fashionable. He would recommend it. Jim was a craftsman of the highest order with two houses, a cabin, a cottage, and beautiful furniture amongst some of his creations. Always busy in his workshop, he also produced dinghies, paddle boards and sabots. During his 42 years of retirement, Jim excelled at a second career, picture framing for notable West Coast artists. His frames are in homes and museums around the world. As well, he wrote a book recounting his early days on Howe Sound, "Dear James". His long retirement allowed him to be an active grandfather, and his grandchildren and great grandchildren were a constant joy. Jim's love of the outdoors, the ocean, beaches, and mountains have been passed along to his descendants. But most especially love of family. He was very proud of his family. Thanks for showing us how it's done, Dad. Jim will be missed by many, including his nieces and a nephew, and longtime friends locally and around the world. Our most grateful thanks to his wonderful team of caregivers from The Key, especially Antonia, as well as the many VCH community and palliative nurses who cared for Jim. Celebrating his life are his children, Ian (Joanna), and Janet (Al) Galbraith, grandchildren, James (Kathryn) Galbraith, Kate (Devon) Smith, Mary and Charlotte Thomson, and great grandchildren Rafferty, Paige, and Audrey. A gathering to celebrate Jim's remarkable life will be held at a later date, details will be announced. If so desired, donations to backpackbuddies.ca in Jim's honour would be greatly appreciated. Condolences to the family may be directed to mackenziefuneralservices.com.
