William C Thomson, Jr.

William (Bill) C. Thomson Jr., 76, originally from Fort Ann, NY, died peacefully at his home with his loving wife Linda (Whitney) Thomson by his side. As a kid, "Billy" loved spending summers camping on Lake George with his mother Doris (Bush) Thomson (d. 1997) and much older sister Patricia (Thomson) Prutsman. Patricia, who was endlessly forgiving of her little brother's antics including a broken jaw from being kicked in the face by Billy as he jumped into the lake, still claims to love her not all that much younger brother. Bill, a young athlete and lifetime sports enthusiast, lettered all four years in three sports at Fort Ann High School and loved reminiscing with his teammates. He left his very small hometown as a star athlete and soon began enjoying college life as student spectator at Syracuse University, which offered a slightly larger sports scene. Bill received his draft slip two days after graduating from Syracuse University in 1966 and served two years during the Vietnam War at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the one and only time he used his degree in microbiology. Bill went on to thoroughly enjoy a career in sales and business development. Though his career spanned the pharmaceutical, industrial, and financial sectors, Bill most loved guiding families in financial planning decisions.

With "eyes for each other" since the 8th grade, Bill finally convinced Linda to marry him in 1970. Others, including perhaps even Linda herself, remained rightfully skeptical of her decision as it became clear that Bill's young adult antics had heightened in the company of his new war buddy from California, Harry Prutsman (d. 2012). Linda graciously overlooked Bill and Harry's poorly contained giggles at the alter to say "I do" and as fate would have it, Bill's sister Patricia said the same to Harry later that summer. Bill and Harry's stories from the war, summers roofing, trailblazing the Adirondacks, and working in the pit at the slate quarry, grew to legendary status over the years. Bill proved himself to the strongest of doubters and was Linda's steadfast and loving partner through fifty years of marriage. He was a loving father to his two children Ryan (Melissa) and Lynley (Kamal), and forever enjoyed attending their sporting events, going on annual beach vacations, and attempting to keep cursing to the minimum while putting up each year's Christmas tree.

Bill was known for being the life of the party and maintained his sense of humor and positive outlook even while facing terminal illness at the end of his life. He prided himself on having fun and making the most of life. After retiring in 2004, this included traveling with Linda, boating with family and friends on Lake George, golfing with fellow veterans, fishing, tailgating with dear friends at Syracuse, and enjoying conversation with his morning coffee buddies and Thursday lunch crew. Bill also loved serving as a pie taste-tester and card playing caregiver to his now 98-year-old mother in law, Jean (Tyler) Whitney. Jean was the second of now five generations of Tyler women who loved the chance to beat him at cards. Bill cherished time with his beloved grandchildren Kira, Sophia, Alexa, Lavanya, and Tavish, and his grand nieces and nephews. To them he wished to leave the following words of wisdom: "live every single day of life to the fullest because you never know how long you've got."

Bill wished for an Irish funeral filled with cheer and good storytelling, but alas, it is 2020. In honor of his refusal to dwell on the negative, please virtually raise a glass to Bill for cheers to all the good life has to offer. In lieu of flowers, and as final amends to his daughter for refusing her 892 requests for a kitten growing up, Bill requested donations to Kitten Angels, a 501(c)(3). Donations can be mailed to Kitten Angels, 233 Houseman St., Mayfield, NY 12117.