The one certainty in life is that

one day we will have to say goodbye to all those we love,

and they will have to say goodbye to us.  

On Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025, it was Allan Thompson that was called home and passed peacefully surrounded by his family at the Sturgeon Hospital. Ultimately, it was a lung infection that overtook him.

An Amazing Talent  

From the earliest days as a child, it was clear that Allan had a special gift for art.  That talent and passion was the foundation for the career path Allan followed for the rest of his life.

Allan was a talented athlete and guitar player, but his drawing and painting ability was his true gift. He graduated from Victoria Composite High School and began working at the old Army and Navy on Whyte Ave as a sign painter and display  designer. By chance though, a relatively new television station had started in Edmonton called CFRN and a friend of the family was instrumental in getting him hired as an artist.

The Love of His Life and a New Family Adventures  

Allan had only been out of high school a few years when he was invited to a friend’s birthday party and that day he met Ruth Gerard - the woman with whom he would spend the next 64 years. They were married just four months later on Friday, September 2nd, 1960. The following year their son, Robert, was born. Their second child, this time a daughter, Suzanne, was born in 1965.

Ruth and Allan bought their first home in Lynnwood in 1963. They would call that bungalow home until they made the hard decision to sell in the early 80’s. They custom built their new home in La Perle and it is still their home 44 years later.

The new home was more than a new chapter - it was an opportunity to take a virgin back yard and turn it into a true oasis, where Allan could create his vision and hone his talents as a true master gardener. There are many creatures and living things in that backyard that will miss their friend this spring.

The Thompson Family  

Allan was the first-born son of Alec and Ethel Thompson and was born in the old Misericordia Hospital on November 8th, 1938. He was the oldest of the 6 children born to his parents. His father, Alec, would build the family home where they would all grow up located just off Candy Cane Lane on 147th Street. His close friend and brother, Roy, passed away in 2017 - leaving his Brother Brian, Sisters Carol, Ruth and Jane still with us.

The first grandson was Bob’s son, Richard, who was born in 1988. Later there were three more grandchildren from Suzanne and her husband Troy - Ethan in 1993, Quintin in 1996 and Rebecca in 1999.

As time went on the family grew and grandson Richard, with his wife Bree, blessed Allan and Ruth with 2 great grandchildren, Zarah in 2015 and Zachary in 2020.

The CFRN Years  

Allan spent his entire professional life as an artist at CFRN and would be there for 36 years. He formed a close relationship with the station’s founder, Dr. Rice. During that time, he also served as President of the Union for CFRN - or as it was called - The Association - as Dr. Rice wasn’t crazy about the term “union”. Allan would be an important part of the station’s visual identity up until he retired in 1993. His most notable contribution was the creation of Sunwapta Sam - the lovable character that would be the logo mascot for the station for many years.

Highland Park “The Lake”  

In 1968, Allan and Ruth purchased a lot from Allan’s uncle, George Thompson, at the newly created development of Highland Park, on the northwest shore of Lac Ste.  Anne. The land began as a divided farmer’s field but through the tireless efforts and care of Allan and Ruth, brother Roy, and many other family members, the multitude of trees they hand planted and watered have developed into a beautiful park like setting enjoyed by visitors and wildlife alike. In 1969, together with the help of family and friends, Allan and Ruth built a modest cabin that became one of Allan’s greatest treasures and absolute favourite places to be. In time, the property grew to include 3 lots and is now under the care and ownership of Suzanne and Troy, who hope that it will remain in the family for many generations.

The Oil Painting Years  

Although drawing and painting was always part of his life - it wasn’t until 1973 when Allan decided to put more focus on his passion for oil painting. He had a wonderful ability to capture the western Canadian countryside in his brush strokes and his paintings were immediately recognizable. Allan’s paintings are in homes all over the world to this day and are still in several well-known collections.

World Traveler  

Allan and Ruth loved to travel; there is very little of the globe that they have not explored. Together they ventured across Canada in their van they called the “Moon  Module”. The rest of the world they visited mostly via cruise ships and bus tours.  Allan was always willing to share stories of their adventures and the many wonders of the world they saw in person. They met many wonderful people on their adventures leading to several friendships still strong today.

A Life Worth Living  

For those that knew Allan he will be remembered as a good friend. He had an admirable way of speaking in clear terms and words - and a firm resolve to defend the things he held true and believed in.

Allan was a master storyteller with the ability to transport you into the tale as if you there with him. His humour and attention to the intricate details of a story was a hallmark element of his unique style.

Allan was a wise man who saw things in black and white - and could always be counted on to listen intently to your words and then provide feedback that was always valuable advice. One of Allan’s favourite bits of advice, that he shared frequently, is from Will Rogers, “Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.”

Allan’s sense of humour was second to none. He loved to make people laugh and would laugh with ease at things that delighted him. He loved comics, the golden era of Walt Disney and movies. The Edmonton Eskimos and Oilers were also a part of what he enjoyed greatly.

It is also important to include how much those around him meant to Allan whether they were family, friends or coworkers.

Allan’s grandchildren meant the world to him. He loved to indulge their every whim.  Sleepovers meant there was no room left for Grandma in the bed as the grandkids and Grandpa occupied the entire space reading comics together. In the morning, while Grandma made pancakes, Grandpa watched cartoons and laughed just as loudly as the kids. He always beamed with joy and pride whenever his grandchildren were around him.

The Closing Act  

Over the last many years age took its toll on Allan. His health challenged him on a daily basis but he always found his strength and resolve to soldier on in the face of incredible challenges. Each day was a mountain to climb and he never once gave up. His lifelong dedication to his wife, Ruth, woke him every morning and was the reason for each breath he took. It was fitting she was beside him when he took his last one.

As we began with this story of Allan’s life - The only true certainty in life is that one day it will end and it is those that remain that will grieve the loss.

But for Allan - there is no longer any pain or health challenges. He is set free from the binding fingers of time and age. He returns home to see all those that passed before him and although we know he will miss us all - we can’t be selfish and only

see what we have lost - but rather rejoice in his life and the time we had with him and be grateful that he no longer is an old man but has been set free to enjoy eternity.

May he rest in peace and always know how much he meant to us all.