June 26, 1934 – July 1, 2015
Duane died peacefully at home with his family at his side having just recently celebrated his 81st birthday. He will be forever missed by his wife Rosmarie (Hofmann), his son Tom (wife Martina) of Caledon, his daughter Tammy (husband Jim) of Caledon East and his daughter Heather (husband Brian) of Ottawa. He will be forever loved by his grandchildren Nicholas, Jasmine, Spencer, Oliver, Eric and Zoe. The experiences he (Opa) and Oma afforded them all at their little piece of paradise on Lake Manitou, Manitoulin Island, will be forever treasured. Duane was born a short distance away at Big Lake, the son of Orion and Catherine Thomson and brother to Reo and Mary Catherine, all deceased. He is a proud Haweater and although he, like many others, ventured far from home for a career, he always maintained a strong connection to the Island. Camping here every summer was always an eagerly anticipated family event and he became a master at campfire cooking. Retiring here in the late 1990s, he and Rosmarie created the ‘Thomson Retreat’ for the sole purpose of accommodating family and friends at every opportunity. Hosting and entertaining was in his blood and he relished every such occasion. He was an active participant in the church choir and Island Singers for a time, sharing his passionate baritone voice, trained through many campfire ballads, with others. Woodworking and carpentry were other passions he had that were, undoubtedly, handed down to him from his father who had built some of the houses and cottages that still stand today around the island. A proud 6th generation Canadian, it is perhaps no coincidence that Canada Day was the day that he left us. A strong on-shore breeze made sure that his Canadian Flag flew strong and free for him that day. To all of our friends who have provided such wonderful support over the past few years, our deepest gratitude. To the doctors and nurses at Mindemoya Hospital and Dr. Bedard and staff, there couldn’t have been any more that we could have asked of you. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. A private family ceremony was held for him at his home. For anyone desiring to make a donation in his memory, please consider one to the Mindemoya Hospital.
