On January 31, 1990, Elaine Thompson joined The Rotary Club of Dryden. On January 22, 2021, she sadly passed from us. During those nearly 31 years her warm smile and quiet demeanour belied her enthusiasm for Rotary. In 1995-96, Elaine served as the club’s 35th president. She was both the second woman to join the club and the second woman to serve in that position.
 
In her year as President, she played a critical role in organizing the club to become the host club of the District 5550 Governor, as her husband Clare assumed that position in 1996-97. During her years in Rotary, she generously contributed to The Rotary Foundation, collecting four Paul Harris Awards. Most recently she was one of the first three members granted a lifetime membership in the Rotary Club of Dryden.
 
Elaine was born on Monday, March 14, 1932 in Dyment, Ontario. On August 12, 1950, she married Clare Thompson in the little village of Wabigoon and soon thereafter started their family. She spent many years at home raising her children until they opened “Thompson’s Paint Shop,” where she helped to manage and grow the family business.
 
 
Clare and Elaine
 
Elaine enjoyed cooking and baking, proudly passing down recipes and kitchen tricks to her grandchildren. She loved to read, knit, and spend time outdoors, taking many camping and fishing trips with family. She looked forward to visits from her 3 grandchildren, their spouses, and eventually welcomed 4 great-grandchildren. Elaine was a member of the Ham Radio Society.
 
Elaine is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, and their children Carol (Gordon) Boyd and Mark (Laurie) Thompson. She will be forever missed by grandchildren Kristie (Patrick) Smith, Curtis (Tracy) Thompson, and Darby (Kelly) Boyd, and always remembered by the 4 great-grandchildren Matthew, Sam, Madeline, and Lilly.
 
A Memorial Funeral Service will take place at a later date due to COVID-19 restrictions.
 
Should friends desire, donations may be made in Elaine’s memory to The Rotary Foundation through Stevens Funeral Homes, P.O. Box 412, Dryden P8N 2Z1.  Condolences may be posted on Stevens Funeral Homes Facebook page or at www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca.