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D. Michael THOMPSON

April 9, 2008

D. Michael Thompson

On April 9, 2008, Captain Mike took his last flight after a valiant battle with cancer.

Mourning his passing are his wife Tracy and all the Fagan family of Nanaimo, along with son Evan, of Toronto, Ontario; father Donald of Campbell River,

brother Jim of Black Creek, and twin sister Penny Macfarlane and her husband Doug, their children Lia and Bryan of Victoria. Mike was predeceased by his mother, Jeanne in 2002.

Born in England, Mike came to Canada at age 2. He grew up in Alert Bay where his interests in music and aviation were fostered. He began pumping airplane floats after school at age 9. Mike attended the University of Victoria in the mid 60’s but studies were often preempted by jam sessions and performances with R&B and rock bands on the Island. Music was a special love until the end and Mike took pleasure in knowing his son Evan shared his passion, turning music into a successful career for himself.

As a pilot, Mike traveled all over the world. He flew in the High Arctic, the tropical Maldivian Islands, and up and down the BC Coast (and Queen Charlotte Islands). He also flew for the Medi-Vac team specializing in pediatric evacuations. He enjoyed the challenge of aviation, flying jets, high flying turbines, low flying pistons, on wheels, on floats, on skis, VFR and IFR. Mike was most comfortable in a Twin Otter on floats, logging more hours on that plane than many other pilots in Canada. He was always proud to say he never “bent” an aircraft in almost 40 years of flying. A damage free career!

Like his father, Mike was at his best informally training many young pilots on the finer skills that went into their profession. He had a unique ability to share his skills.

Mike always insisted that all around him enjoy life and Mike fit a lifetime of fun into his 61 years. Above all, Mike was a gentleman, true to his English heritage.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Earle Weisenburger and the incredible staff in the Nanaimo Palliative Care Unit, especially Nurses Vi and Sheila. They all helped Mike get to his “Office in the Clouds” in the gentlest way possible. They are amazing people who deal so compassionately with patients and their families.

Donations to the Palliative Care Unit at Nanaimo Regional Hospital or the BC Cancer Foundation would be greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers.

Many thanks to the pilot fraternity for all their support.

The family and 3 generations of pilots are inviting all to gather and share happy memories of Mike’s life on

Saturday May 24th, 13:30 hours, at the Kin Hut in Departure Bay, Nanaimo. There will be a backdrop of

good tunes.

Blue skies and tailwinds, Mikey.

Condolences: www.firstmemorialfuneral.com (Nanaimo Link)



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