Robert Stewart Thomson

Robert Stewart Thomson passed away in the early hours of March 17, 2026 at the age of 90. A loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He will be deeply missed.

Robert (aka Robbie or Bob) was born on November 15, 1935, in Milo, Alberta. He was the fifth of five children born to Joseph and Mary Thomson. Robert grew up enjoying prairie adventures with siblings and friends and spent many days hunting, fishing, curling, playing baseball and camping.

He graduated from the University of Alberta in 1959 with a BSc. in Civil Engineering, and married his hometown sweetheart, Sharon Phillips, in December of 1961. Family was one of Rob’s greatest joys and together he and Sharon raised three boys (David, Blair and Douglas).

Robert returned to school in 1968 and earned his Masters in Civil Engineering from the University of Alberta. Throughout his career, Robert was involved in the design of numerous highways in Alberta, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. He was also a proud member of APEGA (Association of Professional Engineers and Geophysicists of Alberta). In 1983 he was appointed as Project Manager for Canada Olympic Park in Calgary where he was instrumental in the design and construction of the bobsled/luge tracks and the ski jumps for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. Robert’s 34-year Public Works Canada career kept the family in Alberta (Banff, Jasper, Edmonton, and Calgary) and always close to those Milo roots.

In retirement Robert loved spending time with family and close friends. He and Sharon enjoyed travels across Canada, Europe, Mexico, New Zealand and the USA. He developed a keen interest in reloading ammunition, gunsmithing, target shooting and sporterizing army rifles for hunting. Retirement also brought a renewed interest in golf (alongside Sharon) as well as time cherished with five grandchildren. Rob was an avid reader and enjoyed books on World War II history. He would often be found in his favourite chair in front of the TV with a book in hand while cheering on his beloved Toronto Blue Jays.

Robert leaves behind his wife of 64 years (Sharon); sons David (Amy), Blair (Sherry), and Doug (Andrea); five grandchildren, Mitchell (Courtney), Andrew, Alexandra (Jared), Reed (Ashley), and Ryan (Emily); two great grandchildren, Theodore and Kit; nephew James Thomson (Ruth) and family; and brothers-in-law Robert (Darlene) Phillips, and Dale Phillips and their families.

Rob was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Mary, as well as brothers James, Joseph (Bernice), sister Jean, brother Ian, as well as brother-in-law Darwin Phillips.

The Thomson family would like to thank the incredible staff and caregivers of Bethany Cochrane for their outstanding care and compassion given to Robert and his entire family during his stay at the facility.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Inurnment to take place at the Milo Cemetery at 1:00 pm with reception to follow at 2:00 pm in the Milo, AB Community Hall.