DARRYL T. THOMPSON

1954 – 2023

It is with sadness that our family announces the sudden, unexpected passing of Darryl T. Thompson on August 16, 2023 at the age of 69.

 

Dad leaves to mourn; His love until the end Janie Ireton. Daughter Theresa (Murray) and granddaughters Cassidy and Peyton.  Daughter Melissa (Jason) and granddaughters Aubrey, Alex and Ava. Son Kelly (Erin) and granddaughter Georgia and grandson Maverick.  His mother Betty, as well as many other family and friends.  He was predeceased by his father Tommy in 1988.

 

Darryl was a cabinet maker who had special skills when it came to working with wood.  If you could imagine it, he could build it! Darryl was a loyal, hard worker who was employed with the same company for 25 plus years.  He would often talk about the businesses and homes his craftsmanship was displayed in with such great pride.  He truly loved what he did for a living. In his free time, he built many things for his children, grandchildren, friends and of course himself (Hope chests, keepsake boxes, shelves (for all the stuffies Grandpa would bring for the girls), even his tool cabinet at work). He also restored old gun stocks and made knife handles. If you were ever fortunate enough to acquire one of Darryl’s creations, you must know that he built it with a great passion for woodworking.

 

Darryl gained a love for the outdoors and hunting from his parents. Throughout his life he had been a member of the Manitoba Wildlife Federation, Junior Rifle, Manitoba Muzzleloaders and Coon N’ Crockett Muzzleloaders. He also enjoyed passing down his knowledge to the next generation or to anyone with a willingness to learn.  Darryl could restore an old rifle, make it look impeccable and would often give a rifle as a gift or trade it for something else that caught his eye. He enjoyed attending the annual Manitoba Muzzleloaders shoot and the Coon N’ Crockett Muzzleloaders Rendezvous where he took part in reenacting the 1800’s, throwing hawk, black powder shooting and leg wrestling. He formed lifelong friendships and folks knew where the Thompson Family camped, because the Canadians brought “the good stuff”.

 

Along with making knife handles, Darryl recently started forging his own knife blades and built himself a backyard forge.  He had creative and talented hands. He had a natural ability to draw. Darryl has always enjoyed music; in his younger years he played an acoustic guitar.

 

Hockey was a big part of his life. His son Kelly played with the Assiniboine Park Rangers Hockey team where Darryl was the medical trainer. He enjoyed sharing this time with Kelly and was overjoyed by his hockey accomplishments. From 2004-2019, he was the medical trainer for the Charleswood Hawks MMJHL team. One of his great accomplishments was receiving his EMS certification. Mr.T was kept busy during Hockey season.  He proudly wore the many championship rings.

 

Darryl had a great respect for Service men and women and had a special place in his heart for the men and women of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service.  He found it important to give his thanks and show his appreciation. Occasionally he would stop by the local station and drop off coffee, donuts and treats for the crew. 

 

For the past 15 years, Darryl has been in a committed and loving relationship with Janie. They were set up by friends who knew they would make a great match.  One truly complemented the other, Janie was Darryl’s missing piece.

 

Dad was so proud of all 3 of his children (the spouses they chose) and his 7 grandchildren.  All that was needed was an invitation and he would be there for the kids’ concerts, dinner, the many birthday parties or just to give a helping hand. He was always on Darryl time (which meant 15 minutes early). He had old fashioned values. Raised us kids to know right from wrong, respect our elders, work hard, play just as hard, and he gave the biggest bear hugs (we will sure miss those hugs). He led a full life, spent his days doing what made him happy, and the most important part was the time he got to spend with his kids and grandkids. This truly was his greatest accomplishment in life and shall remain his legacy.

 

Our Family would like to thank the WFPS for coming to help Dad in his time of need. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Memory of Darryl Thompson to a WFPS charity of your choice. https://legacy.winnipeg.ca/fps/charity/default.stm

 

A Celebration of life Service will be held at the Eric Coy Arena 535 Oakdale Dr, Winnipeg, MB, on Thursday, September 14th, 2023 at 1:00pm. 

 

A private family interment will be held at a later date.