THOMSON, Cecil Joseph “Cec”

October 6, 1937 — December 28, 2023

On December 28, 2023, Cec Thomson passed away at the age of 86, and will be forever missed

Cec Thomson was born October 6th, 1937, in Coderre, Saskatchewan, where he spent his formative years before moving to Rosetown, SK in Grade 8. Cec’s first job was at a garage working for Bob Arsenault moving cars. At age 13, Cec was so short he could barely see over the steering wheel to move the cars. He was the smallest kid in his grade 8 class, but as that summer progressed he would be the tallest to start grade 9. Cec’s mom used to say, Cec would go to bed, and by morning she would have to buy him new pants!!

Cec was also friends with another Arsenault, Freddy Arsenault. It wasn’t long after Cec began visiting the home of his friend Freddy that he fell in love with Freddy’s sister, Marie Arsenault. On their first date in 1953, due to unforeseen circumstances, Marie did not get home until 3 am. As a result, Marie’s parents whisked her away for 6 months to Quebec, New York, and Florida. Upon their return, Cec’s affections had not dimmed, and Cec and Marie started their life together in earnest. They were married July 6, 1957.
Cec and Marie moved to Saskatoon, SK in the early 60s, where Cec spent many years working in retail for the Bay, and even some years modelling men’s clothes. They had their first child, Todd, in 1962 and soon after welcomed their second child, Michelle, in 1965. In 1969, they packed up their belongings and children and moved to Kelowna, BC, where they welcomed the addition of twin sons to the family, Kevin and Kent, in 1970. Cec worked in the Old Woolworths on Bernard Avenue in downtown Kelowna for many years before purchasing the Totem Inn Hotel in Peachland in 1982. When Cec and Marie sold the hotel in 1986 and returned to Kelowna, Cec returned to his roots in sales, where he continued until his retirement.

Cec was an avid Curler in his younger days and an active member of the Lions Club for many years. Cec loved his many grandchildren dearly and cherished his time with them. Cec enjoyed visiting City Park with his wife Marie and the wonderful weather the Okanagan offers.

Cec was predeceased by his son Kent Thomson, and he is survived by his wife, Marie Thomson (née Arsenault); his children Todd, Michelle, and Kevin (Barbara); his grandchildren Nicole, Jesse, Christopher (Robyn), Samantha, Melanie, Quinn, and Tavia; and his great-grandchildren Wylder and Sawyer.

A Funeral Mass will be held on SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2024, 11:00 AM (PST), at ST. PIUS X CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1077 Fuller Ave, Kelowna, BC.  A luncheon will follow in the Hall. 

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