Henry Thomson passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, April 30, 2001. Henry was born on September 18, 1914 in Hobkirk, Scotland, the first born of Henry and Helen Thomson. When Henry was six years old, the family emigrated to Canada, settling in Harte, Manitoba. He received his education in the Harte area until he was old enough to help on the farm. While serving overseas, Henry met the love of his life Annie Nolan. They were married in 1945 and returned to Canada. Henry returned to farming until it was time to move on. Henry, Annie and their daughter Sheila moved to Brandon where Henry worked at Binkley Motors for many years. Unfortunately, working at the garage resulted in Henry developing some allergies and so at this stage it was time for him to make a life change. Henry always had a love of flowers and planting so he taught himself everything there was to know with regards to this profession. All of this hard work was rewarded when he pursued and received the job of head gardener at Rivers Army Base. He took great pride in maintaining the grounds, presenting the senior officers wives with lovely bouquets, and trying a few gardening experiments of his own. In the early 70's Henry was transferred to Victoria, B.C. to work and maintain the lovely grounds at Royal Roads Academy, where he and Annie lived until her death in 1994. When Annie passed away in 1994, Henry moved back to Brandon to be close to his family. Every Thursday afternoon would find him at Chicken Paul's having coffee with his sisters and enjoying their memories. Henry began to study with the Jehovah Witnesses and was full of pride when he was baptized in Winnipeg in 1995. He did his best to witness door to door as would befit a man in his 80's, and only in the last couple of years would the Brandon winters slow him down. A kind, gentle man, Henry was much loved by his family and friends. He was an animal lover and spent much of his time loving and caring for his cat "Dee Dee". The family was never sure who was well trained - Dee Dee or Henry. She brought him many hours and days of companionship and entertainment. Henry was pre-deceased by his parents, siblings, Douglas, Howard, Janet and Peggy and his loving wife Annie. Although Henry always had the desire to go back to British Columbia, he stayed in Manitoba with its harsh winters because that is where his family is. Henry will be so sadly missed by his loving daughter, Sheila and son-in-law, Tom; his only granddaughter, Maureen (Scott); grandsons, Michael, Mark and Tom; great grandchildren, Chelsey (Anthony), Cody, Michael, Michelle, Rose, April and Tasha; brother, Johnny (Muriel); sister-in-law, Merle; and his dear nieces and nephews. Henry surrounded himself with many pictures of his family. He took great pride in all of them. He continued to be active until the end and always had a hug, kiss and a handshake at the ready. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at the Brandon Kingdom Hall at a later date. Donations in Henry's memory may be made to the Brandon Humane Society, 2200 - 17th Street, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 7G3, if so desired.

"Dear Dad and Grandpa ... we will miss you so"