Brian Forbes Thompson

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       1940 – 2022

The family of Brian Thompson is deeply saddened to announce his unexpected passing on July 27, 2022, at the age of 81 years. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Florence, son Glen (Margaret), grandchildren Curtis, Eric and Victoria, his brother Dave (Marlene) of Brantford, Ontario, brother-in-law Robert (Melodie) Powell of Winnipeg, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  He was pre-deceased by his parents Phyllis Elizabeth Thompson and Forbes James Thompson, and his brother-in-law Allen Powell.

Brian was born on November 26, 1940, in Winnipeg, where he grew up.  He attended Wellington, General Wolfe and Daniel McIntyre schools in the City’s west end.  In 1963 he obtained a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Manitoba, and subsequently became a Professional Engineer.  In 1966, Brian joined the consulting engineering firm of Reid Crowther and Partners, with whom he thoroughly enjoyed a career spanning over four decades. In 1974 Brian seized an opportunity and relocated with his family to Edmonton, which quickly became home. Brian’s noted expertise in asphalt paving technology took him to places far and wide, including projects in developing countries such as Nicaragua and Nigeria during the 1990’s.  Brian officially retired in 2000 but continued to work part-time as a consultant for many years afterward.

In the late 1970’s Brian became a Rotarian, which he pursued vigorously and passionately for the rest of his life, continuing to work on Rotary matters even while in hospital during the days leading up to his passing. A recipient of numerous Paul Harris fellowships, Brian exemplified Rotary International’s motto “Service Above Self”.  In addition to countless local projects, Brian took numerous trips to Belize for community development projects and, along with Florence, he participated in numerous expeditions to Guatemala to facilitate eye exams for people in need.

Brian’s passion for Rotary was matched by his lifelong passion for curling, which he inherited from his father at an early age. Brian took up the game competitively in high school and was a formidable club-level curler throughout his life.   During his retirement years, he curled three to four times per week at the Balmoral, Saville, Crestwood and Ellerslie curling clubs.  Over the years he and Florence took in numerous briers, Olympic trials and world curling championships.  One of Brian’s personal highlights came when he and his teammates participated in a bonspiel in Barrow, Alaska, which is thought to be the northernmost curling facility in the world.  Brian also enjoyed golf in his retirement years and was passionate about CFL football.  Despite becoming firmly rooted in Edmonton, he remained a diehard Winnipeg Blue Bombers fan for life.

Brian derived tremendous enjoyment from the numerous building and landscaping projects that were always on the go.  Undertaken with precision planning and meticulous detail, these were a source of pride to Brian and amazement to his friends and neighbours.

Brian was an exceptional husband, father, grandfather and friend to many.  Above all, he had time for everyone.  No matter the time or place, he could always be counted on to lend a hand or offer advice.  He will be truly missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Brian’s Life will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at 2:00 PM at Connelly-McKinley Edmonton South Chapel, 4820 Meridian Street NW in Edmonton.

In lieu of flowers, Brian’s family asks that you make a donation to the charity of your choice.