Robert Burns Thomson
September 6, 1924 – January 31, 2017
Robert Burns Thomson of Qualicum Beach, BC passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 31st at the age of 92. Born in Victoria, he was the last surviving grandson of William and Margaret Thomson, early pioneers of the Saanich Peninsula. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary (nee Pearse) and sister, Margaret Giles. Rob is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Shirley (nee Reid) and family, John (Karen), Jane (Roland), Craig (Laurie), Rob (Debbie), nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Rob is also survived by his sisters, Kathleen Montgomery, Marian Hogue, nieces and nephews.
After their marriage in 1946 Rob and Shirley pioneered in Campbell River where Rob worked on the John Hart Dam. In 1948 they moved to Vancouver and Rob started at UBC. He received a BSC in Pharmacy in 1953. Rob worked in Vancouver before buying a drugstore (Frontier Pharmacy) in Coquitlam in 1959. During his career in Coquitlam, Rob was a charter member of the Burquitlam Rotary, and was very active in the BC Pharmaceutical Society. In 1984 Rob and Shirley semi-retired to Qualicum Beach where Rob worked at the Pharmasave. Rob enjoyed golf, curling and was also involved in the Rotary Club of Qualicum Beach. In 1996 Rob retired as a pharmacist, became involved in Probus, and included travelling as one of his passions.
The family would like to thank Dr Peter Haslett and Dr P. Yuracowicz of Qualicum Beach for the excellent care that Rob received.
A Celebration of Life to honour Rob will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 18th at St. Columba Presbyterian Church, 921 Wembley Road, Parksville, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC would be gratefully appreciated.
To send a condolence to the family please visit www.yatesmemorial.ca
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