We Remember

THOMPSON, Callum George “Cal”

December 3, 1933 — September 13, 2026

Cal passed on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Kelowna General Hospital, from complications following hernia surgery. He was 92 years old.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Verla, and their two children, daughter Tracy (Calvin) and son Ryan; grandchildren LeAnn (Matt) and Jordan (Sara); and great-grandchildren Kaidynce, Jaxtyn, Rowan and Arlo.

Cal was born in New Westminster on December 3, 1933, to Jack and Pearl (née Mason) Thompson. Six years later, the family welcomed Cal’s younger brother, Raye. New Westminster remained an important part of Cal’s story, and it was there, on June 29, 1957, that he married Verla Staples. Together, Cal and Verla built a life that would take them from New Westminster to Burnaby, Campbell River, Langley, and Kelowna, gathering friendships and memories everywhere they went.

Cal spent 35 years with BC Tel, beginning his career as a linesman and remote tower installer. The work took him to places that were often difficult to reach and called for the practical skills and resourcefulness that came so naturally to him. Later, he moved into telephone repair service. Cal was a capable handyman and builder throughout his life, particularly when it came to carpentry, and he was happiest when there was something to fix, improve or build.

That enterprising spirit extended well beyond his work at BC Tel. Over the years, Cal enjoyed a number of entrepreneurial ventures with partners, including the Scott Road Driving Range in Surrey, Barport Marina on Annacis Island, and the Thompson Country Inn at Nimpo Lake, BC. Each was another expression of his willingness to take on a project, work with his hands and turn an idea into something real.

At 55, Cal retired from BC Tel, opening a new chapter that allowed him and Verla to spend more time travelling together. They travelled extensively across Canada and ventured to Alaska, the southern United States, Mexico, New Zealand and Portugal. Some of their happiest adventures were on the road in their RV, where the destination was often only part of the fun. Their cabins at Birch Bay, Washington, were another special part of family life and the source of many good times and lasting memories.

Cal’s life was one of hard work and adventure, of building things and going places. He loved the life he and Verla had built, and in retirement enjoyed golf, tinkering with a good project, some Scrabble and the company of people he cared about. He maintained lifelong friendships, including many that stretched all the way back to his school days. Wherever Cal and Verla happened to be, there always seemed to be a deck where friends and family could gather for “Happy Hour” to share stories, laughter, a drink and the pleasure of good company.

He was well liked by all, and a wonderful lifelong husband and partner for Verla. Cal’s sense of humour, practicality and stoic ‘So be it’ attitude will be dearly missed by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

There will be a small private family service.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

 

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Heart and Stroke Foundation Link: www.heartandstroke.ca

 


 


Condolences

  • Stewart & Shauna Detjen says:
    October 2, 2026 at 12:04 pm

    We are heartbroken to hear of Cal’s passing. I spoke with Cal prior to his surgery and planned to get together after his recovery period for a much delayed visit. A lost opportunity never to be recovered. I met Cal at the Langley I&R Compound in 1978 and it was years before I learned He was 17 years my senior. Cal was young in heart and spirit. One of the older installers out of what I believe was envy called Cal “Perry Como” for Cal wearing nice slacks and a cardigan to work. Cal took no notice and was sure to end his shift as clean and dapper as He was at the shift’’d beginning. Cal always said He wanted to collect his pension for more years than he worked at BC Tel.
    Our deepest sympathy to Verla and Family. He was a wonderful friend and shall be missed for the rest of our days.
    Shauna & Stewart Detjen

    Reply

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