Paul Duncan Thompson, 76, of Huntley, died peacefully on February 16, 2023, in Arlington Heights.
Paul was born on August 31, 1946, in post-war Toronto to parents Kenneth and Dorothy Thompson. At the age of four, Paul contracted polio, and bravely conquered the illness, teaching him resilience and strength to overcome any challenge.
After obtaining a degree from Western University, Paul began a successful 40-year career at Manulife Financial, starting in branch offices in Ontario and Newfoundland. From 1977 to 1981 he transferred to the Hong Kong branch and was part of the explosive growth of the agency in southeast Asia. Upon his return to Toronto, he was Director of Agencies in the International and U.S. Divisions before relocating to Chicago in 1992, where he remained until retirement.
In 2005, Paul met Susan Olesch and was quickly smitten. The couple married the next year and spent 17 wonderful years together.
Paul was always happiest when sharing his exceptional musical talent as a drummer in his bands or with a guitar in hand enthusiastically leading family singalongs. Fishing trips with his family also brought him great joy – and the fishing stories even more so. Generous of spirit, Paul was a kind and gentle man with a warm smile, quick wit, and rarely without a joke.
Above all Paul’s life was dedicated to his family and friends - always bringing good humour, laughter and purity of heart to every interaction and endeavour.
Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Susan Olesch, his children, Stephanie (Chris Bennett) Thompson, and Victoria (Steve Cairns) Thompson, his grandson, James Cairns, his sister Dian (John) Bell, Stephanie and Victoria’s mother, Yvonne Thompson, and his stepchildren Karen Olesch Forrester, Christopher Olesch, and Stephanie Olesch.
Visitation will be Saturday, March 4th, 2023, from 1 pm to time of memorial service 3 p.m. all at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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I am sending my heartfelt condolences to your family for this loss. Paul was my manager at Manulife in Chicago for a few years. He was one of the best managers I had and a taught me so much. He will be missed.
We were sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. Although we have not been in contact for several years we remember Paul fondly from “the farm” at Marsville, Ontario. Paul was in our wedding party in 1967. Our sincere sympathy to all family members.