It comes with heavy hearts and great sadness that the family of Chris Thompson announces his sudden passing in his sleep on August 14. 2021 at his apartment in Toronto. He had just turned 40 years at the end of February of this year, so young to have left us already. It still seems so surreal to those who knew him.
Chris was the beloved and only son, born February 28, 1981, in Scarborough, ON, to (late) William (Bill) Thompson and (late) Hilde Thompson (Stier).
Chris always lived in the Toronto area. He grew up in Scarborough, and then as a young adult lived in various locations in the City of Toronto itself. Growing up Chris played baseball and participated in the Martial Arts, earning his Black Belt in Shotokan Karate. He even went on to partake in some MMA tournaments. All sports, but especially football, were a favorite pass time for Chris. Whether going to live games or watching them on TV with his Dad and friends, he was always an avid fan. Chris was very creative and the arts were a large part of his life. His biggest artistic love was music. It was something he enjoyed creating and experiencing. Chris loved going to live concerts when he could. He also played guitar and formed bands with friends and fellow music lovers. They performed at various small venues in and around Toronto. Additionally, Chris was an abstract painter. He hung his work around his apartment and shared his pieces with friends. Chris was a big kid at heart. He enjoyed being the playful one with the younger kids. In the pool he was the official “flying fish” launcher and a competitor in the cannonball competitions. He was the first to suggest sleigh rides down the hill, and adventures in the park.
Chris was very much a “people” person. He worked in the hospitality industry both as a server and bartender, and in this field, it was definitely a perfect quality to have. He met many endearing friends in this venue. Chris always had a big heart and was quite willing to help whenever he could. Generous to a fault at times but he never saw it that way.
Chris is survived by his loving Aunts and Uncles, many Cousins and numerous Second cousins. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered by family, extended family and friends.
Cremation has taken place. Interment will be with immediate family. If desired, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca or Canadian Cancer Society https://support.cancer.ca .
A tree is to be planted in remembrance of Chris and his parents in a Scarborough park this spring.
Stephen Grubb
Posted on: Thursday, September 16, 2021I’m saddened to hear of Chris’ passing. We worked together at 7 West when I first moved to Toronto, and I nearly became roommates with him and Michael (Jack).
Always a generous and giving person, and regret the news.
Rest in Power.
Valerie Simpson -Francis
Posted on: Wednesday, September 22, 2021Chris’s mother was a dear friend of mine. We worked together for years, and was alway up to date on his day to day activities. I first met Chris when he was 7 years old. He was a bright, funny and sweet little boy. I remember his mother racing out on her dinner hour just to watch Chris at his baseball games. He was the absolute light of her life. When my daughter was born, she gave me a little lamp that had been in Chris’s room when he was a baby. She was so thrilled our children shared this little piece of history together. My kids are adults now, and I’ve never not looked at it without thinking of Chris and Hilde. When his mother became ill we spend hours together at the hospital, he was such a fine young man. She was so very proud of him. Rest in peace. Sending my heartfelt condolences to his family.
Kenny Taylor
Posted on: Friday, September 23, 2022I heard around Facebook that my old friend Chris Thompson had passed away and here I find the grim confirmation.
We went to Emily Carr Public School together, then West Hill Collegiate Institute high school. I remember visiting him and his mum and dad in grade 2 where he hilariously demonstrated how to use a disturbingly life-like rubber ….poop. I was rather shocked at first that he was allowed to have such a thing as a toy and remember his parents laughing at my reaction. Good times indeed! 😆👏
I greatly miss all the friends I went to school with across that decade+, always hopeful to see some familiar face when I’m back in the ole neighborhood of Malvern…
I found Chris on Facebook years ago and sent him greetings with a long message. He got back ages later, surprised to hear from me, and we hadda good chat. My mum died in 2015 and he had lost his – both to cancer. So he shared his experience and I mine. My sister and I lost dad in 2020.
In years prior, I would occasionally see Mrs Thompson at Malvern Towne Centre mall and would always be happy to see her, and would say hi. Last time she didn’t remember my name but remembered my face.
I miss these people so much. I’m a Jehovah’s Witness, so my hope lies in the promises God made in the Bible in that we will see our dearly missed loved ones again in the Resurrection. In this I take comfort, the hope of seeing Chris and others again in a better Life.
Sulaiman Shaikh
Posted on: Wednesday, September 28, 2022Very saddened to hear about Chris! One of my most joyous memories as a kid came from an act of kindness from Chris. I was not able to attend one of the class or school functions; I, along with few others, stayed indoors in the classroom. Chris asked me if I wanted to borrow his Sega Genesis (or Atari) game console and he brought it to school so I would not be bored staying indoors. Being a child who never had a computer or game console growing up, it was my first experience with it and it was the most joyous feeling as a kid – and Chris made it happen for me, and it’s why I still remember that day more than 25 years ago! RIP Chris, my deepest condolences to the family!