A former Port Coquitlam councillor and freedom of the city recipient who was known for his love of sports died Dec. 23 of heart failure.
Mike Thompson was 85.
Thompson served in his elected role for two terms in the 1970s before he resigned due to heart problems. He returned to political life in 1990 and offered another six years before he retired from office in 1996.
But civic government wasn’t his only passion.
In 1983, Thompson founded Coastal Insurance Services with his second wife, Joann, and he was made a member of Lloyd’s of London for his commitment to the profession. He was also acting chair of the BC Assessment Board.
In 2001, the couple moved to Gabriola Island to be close to the sea — the place where his ashes will be scattered, Joann told The Tri-City News today (Thursday).
Still, “He loved PoCo,” she said. “He served well and always cared for the community.”
A minor sports coach, Thompson was honoured by the city with a park in his name. Thompson Park, which includes a soccer field and baseball diamonds, is located at 1842 Morgan Ave.
“He was always at baseball games there,” said fellow city councillor Michael Wright who last saw Thompson at the 2018 May Day celebrations. “His main interest was to support parks and recreation in the city... To me, he was one of the best city councillors in my time. I had great admiration and respect for him. He was always a very thoughtful councillor and it was a pleasure to work with him.”
Mayor Brad West, who asked that the flags at city hall be lowered to half mast Thursday, said in a statement: “Mike Thompson’s life was spent serving the community that he loved so much. Port Coquitlam is a better place because of him.”
“On behalf of the city, I offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends,” the mayor said.
Thompson is survived by his wife of 38 years, Joann; his three sons, Art, Bill and Mike Jr.; three step-children, Laura Thompson, Randall Miron and Adele Garofano;10 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and a great-great grandson, who was born three months before Thompson died.
No date has been set for a memorial service in Port Coquitlam. Donations are to be sent to the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation of which Thompson was once a board member, Joann said.
