OWEN SOUND, Ont. — Longtime owner and operator of John Thompson Moving & Storage died Tuesday morning at St Joseph’s Hospital in Toronto.

“The news of John’s passing has been received with great sadness by the Ontario Trucking Association,” says association president, David Bradley. “John was one of the great gentlemen of our industry. He was a kind, friendly man who enjoyed life and who others enjoyed sharing life with. I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know John on a personal basis through travels on various OTA study missions and through a mutual connection with Owen Sound. He was always such a great source of support. John was very loyal to OTA and will be very much missed by his many friends in the industry and by the OTA staff. On behalf of everyone at OTA I extend my deepest sympathies to Rita and the family.”

According to Thompson’s son, Robbie, Thompson received bad news about his health about six weeks ago, yet seemed in good spirits and good health and told his son he planned to be home this week. John Thompson would have turned 69 this week.

John was the 1999 recipient of the OTA Trailmobile Service to Industry Award. The award is presented annually and recognizes an individual who, by their commitment, vision, leadership and unstinting service, has made an outstanding contribution to the development and success of the truck transportation industry.

Thompson was a generous community supporter and backed many sporting events and activities. He was a longtime sponsor of the John Thompson Jets Fastball team. In addition, the most popular fishing spot in Owen Sound is named “Thompson’s Hole” because of it’s proximity to Thompson’s house on the Northwest shore, a residence where he lived for decades. John is the father of former ALSTAR Series champ Robbie Thompson.

Friends and family are invited to join the family in a “Celebration of John’s Life” at the Best Western ‘Inn on the Bay’ (1800 – 2nd Avenue East, Owen Sound, Ont.) Dec. 15 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. A private family service will be held in keeping with Thompson’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Grey Bruce Regional Health Centre Foundation Oncology Department of NASCAR’s ‘Victory Junction Gang Camp’ would be appreciated by the family.