John McKenzie Thompson

THOMPSON

JOHN MCKENZIE THOMPSON, brother, cousin, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2016.

Born in Pasadena, California on March 22, 1924 he lived most of his life in Spring Coulee, Alberta on the family farm that was homesteaded in 1902 by his grandfather, Rezin Thompson. He attended Magrath High School where he met, but did not yet date, his future wife of 67 years, LeVaun Matkin. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in World War II, serving in the 99th Infantry Division during the Battle of the Bulge, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service. Upon demobilization in 1947, he returned to Spring Coulee and began to court LeVaun. They were married on Oct 5, 1949 in her parents’ home in Magrath. For many years he farmed the Thompson homestead where he and LeVaun raised three children, Christine Ruth, Duncan Charles and Mary Ellen.

Johnny believed in serving others and worked on the Cardston District School Board before serving for three terms as MLA for Cardston Constituency under Premier Peter Lougheed from 1975 until 1986. He was a very approachable person, who formed many longstanding friendships but was also a great judge of character. He enjoyed gathering with friends, playing pinochle and golf. His greatest joys were his family and his Thompson heritage with its ties to the land. He was a hero and a patriot to both the U.S.A. and Canada.

In accordance with Johnny’s wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service. He will be interred in the Spring Coulee Cemetery on Saturday, November 5th with only immediate family in attendance. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name to a veterans organization such as the Royal Canadian Legion or The National Association of American Veterans, Inc. in the United States.

At the request of the family please refrain from paying condolence visits to LeVaun. Thank you for your kind understanding in this regard.

Email condolences may be sent to www.generationsfh.ca