Roald Oddleiv Thompson

February 13, 1931 – February 15, 2023

With his family by his side, our heavenly mom came and got our dad.  Roald was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Lorraine Thompson, parents; Paul and Ragna Thompson of Bulyea, Saskatchewan. Brothers; Gudmund (Eva), Arvid (Helen), Paul (Lavina), sisters Ahlvild, Anna (Walter), Louise. In laws Deanna, Barbara, Carol, Sam.  Left to cherish his memories are his daughters; Laura Lee (Wayne), Cheryl, Tracy (Graham) and Jayne (Larry), grandchildren Ryan, Dallyn (Ashley), Derek (Shelby), Brandon (Lucy), Kellen (Kayla), Kevin (Jenna), Maureen (Chad), Coleton (Taylor), 10 great grandchildren and another great grandchild on the way. His brothers; Alfred, Einar, Karstein (Joan) and sister Elaine, in laws; Mickey, Leroy, Helen, nieces and nephews. 

He and his wife enjoyed square dancing, polkas, waltz’s, sports on tv and going to games. 

Roald was born on Friday the 13 and always considered this day to be a lucky day.  He was the middle child of 11, 3 older brothers, 3 younger brothers, 2 older sisters, 2 younger sisters. 

Roald went to University in Saskatoon and after two years had a summer job at the Consumers Co-op Refinery.  He enjoyed the job and did not return to university. Roald stayed at the refinery for the remaining of his 40 year career.  He started off as a Process Operator working shift work and after many years, then ended his career working days as a Trainer.  In the union, he was a strong believer of supporting one another.  As a union member, there would be no crossing that picket line. 

Roald was a kind and gentle man.  He and his wife were active church members.  They were involved with organizing bridge tournaments, the month of April coffee and greetings on Sundays, Tuesday card games in the afternoons. 

Roald was an athlete.  Fitness was a huge part of his life.  He worked out until he could physically no longer do so.  He boxed in his earlier years.  Played ball as a child and into his adult life.  In his mid thirties he discovered racquetball and became a certified coach and referee.  He was head coach for the Canada Winter Games and also served on the Board of Directors of the Saskatchewan Racquetball Association for more than fifteen years, several years as President.  He also was the Saskatchewan representative on the Racquetball Canada Board of Directors.  He was instrumental in developing the National Coaching Certification Program Coaching Manuals.  He won 12 gold and 2 silver medals in the master events at the national level.  He received high recognition including the Ivan Velan Award from Racquetball Canada in 1990 in both builder and athlete categories.  In 1984 he was inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame.  In 2004 he was inducted as an Honorary Member to the Regina Sports Hall of Fame. 

After his knees caused his retirement from racquetball, Roald became a competitive Lawn Bowler.  With his partners, Roald won a couple national titles in Lawn Bowling.  He was the volunteer of the year at the Lawn Bowling club.  He won the Award of Merit for 2001. 

Roald’s saying when something was awry was ‘Good Night’.  If he was really miffed, he would say ‘Good Night anyway’.  He has now said his final Good Night. 

A celebration of life will be held at Broadway United Church on March 11 at 11:00 a.m.

To attend the service virtually, through zoom, please visit Broadway United church of Regina's Website.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Roald’s name can be made to Alzheimer’s or Broadway United Church.