With great sadness we share news of the passing of long-time WGA member Lyn Thompson on September 6, 2020 at the age of 90. Lyn served on the WGA Board of Directors from 1993-95 and was one of 17 people to have been awarded a lifetime membership with the WGA. She organized and hosted a writing group in Calgary for many years and was active in securing funds for the WGA’s WordsWorth youth writing camp. Lyn was also the Chair of the Office Committee which generated programming for the first 5 years of the Calgary office.
The following is taken from Lyn’s Obituary on the Calgary Herald website:
“Born in Winnipeg on August 17, 1930, Lyn spent her school years there, heavily involved with Girl Guides, sports and academics. She graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1952 with a B.Sc. in Home Economics and Dietetics. Lyn started her career with University of Toronto Hospital and then as a homemaker, writer and extraordinary volunteer. With her husband of 49 years, Bill, their shared love of adventure took their family to Alberta, Peru, Great Britain and the United Arab Emirates. They spent winters in Calgary and their summers golfing at Silver Springs Golf Club and enjoying the family cottage on Lake of the Woods, Kenora, Ontario. Lyn’s interests were many, including writing 6 books, swimming, golf, curling, camping, relishing the lake cottage life, and spending time with her family and grandchildren. As a life-long volunteer, she held leadership positions with Girl Guides, Scouts, Cubs, Alberta Writers Guild and Dana Village Seniors.
“Due to COVID restrictions, a Private Memorial Service will be held at Mountain View Funeral Home on Friday, September 18, 2020 with the Reverend Tim Nethercott officiating. For those wishing to watch a recording of Lyn’s service, please send a request to the family by September 16 at the following email: [email protected].
“Interment will take place at the Thompson family plot in Kenora at a later date. If so desired, memorial donations may be made directly to the Writers’ Guild of Alberta. To express condolences, please visit: www.mountainviewmemorial.ca.”