Born August 22, 1922 in Gull Lake Saskatchewan. Passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord in her 96th year, April 4, 2018, in Victoria, BC.
Flo was born in Gull Lake, SK to Harold and Julie (Nielsen) Wilson and grew up on her parents’ Spring Free Ranch near Shaunavon, SK. In 1937, the family moved to a farm near Armstrong, BC where she spent her teen years. When the family moved to a farm in what is now the Victoria 
suburb of Gordon Head, she attended the Provincial Normal School, graduating in 1944.
A primary grades teacher and kindergarten specialist, Flo began her teaching career with a wartime stint in the mill town of Youbou, Vancouver Island. Across the next three decades, with a break for child-rearing, Flo would touch the lives of hundreds of Victoria children, many of whose fond memories of her kept them in touch for decades.
She met Vic, her husband-to-be, then a high school teacher (and also a distinguished naval officer during and after the Second World War), when both were at UBC summer session in 1946. They were married on December 28, 1948 and very happily spent the next 37 years together in Victoria, raising two children, while Vic became principal of Victoria High School and then Assistant Superintendent of the school district. Many memorable family vacations were spent at Qualicum Beach and in later years she, Vic and many guests spent happy times together at their seaside retreat in East Sooke.
After Vic’s untimely passing in 1985, Flo regrouped and re-launched her life in new and unexpected ways, becoming the family photographer, selling a line of healthy living products and starting her own business to successfully publish and distribute a copyrighted knitting pattern of her own design.
Always a loving and devoted parent and aunt, Flo embraced grand-parenting when the opportunity arrived just seven months after Vic’s death, showering the growing number of grandchildren near and far with love and attention, finding great joy in connecting with them in many ways over the years. Flo devoted much of her life to trying to brighten the lives of others. She entertained regularly until her last months and her gifts of baking and preserves were legendary.
Raised in the United Church and an active member of Oaklands Chapel for 70 years, Flo’s Christian faith was always at the centre of her life and carried her through many challenges with hope and assurance. We are all grateful for her countless prayers.
When our days on earth are ended
And God says school is dismissed
May we all meet in heaven
And not one of our number be missed
Flo’s passing was preceded by that of her parents, her beloved husband, G.A. Victor Thomson, CD, nephew Garth Wilson (Sandy Lynch) and sister Irene Belcher (Tom). She is survived by her brother George Wilson (Rita), daughter Julie Archdekin (Graham), son John (Jennette Toews), grandchildren Lindsay Hatherly (Mark), Jillian, Brian and Sean Archdekin, Verity and Elizabeth Thomson and 10 nieces and nephews and their families. She will be greatly missed by her many friends of all ages and especially by Betty Berger (Peters, Anderson) her best friend for 77 years.
A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC. Burial will be at Royal Oak Burial Park with a reception to follow in the Sequoia Centre.
If friends so desire, donations in memory of Flo may be made to Camp Imadene or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Jolanda Lam and Jim Keith
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Marilyn Perks My condolences to all the Thomson family.
Flo was my neighbour across the hall, a close friend and even a “mother substitute.” We shared joys and woes. We laughed and supported each other. She was a great talker relating about everything from her childhood in Saskatchewan to the loss of her husband and her move to Dallas Road. But best of all, Flo and I talked about the Lord and His unfailing promises to us in Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Goodbye, Flo, I’ll miss your random acts of kindness, the twinkle in your eye, and your infectious laugh.
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Cathy Bennett Dear John, Jenny, Verity and Beth. We are sorry for your loss. Please know that you are all in our thoughts during this difficult time.
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Diane Whalen Dear John, Jenny, Verity and Beth,
Our family is very sorry to hear about the sudden passing of John’s mother. I had the pleasure of meeting her at All Saints a long time ago, and I remember enjoying a lively chat with her. She seemed full of energy, enthusiasm and good will. I am inspired by her spirited independence into her later years. Our sincere condolences to all of you and your extended family.
Diane, Tom, Meghan, Erin and Ryan
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Marlene Toews Janzen So sorry to hear about the death of your mother and grandmother. May you experience God’s peace and comfort.
Very sorry to hear of your loss. I will never forget how warm and welcoming she was to me as a guest at some of your family gatherings and whenever we met.
Our deepest sympathy to Julie and John and their families.