Dr. Gordon Thompson
On January 28, 2026, Dr. Gordon Thompson passed away peacefully after a short illness at the age of 85 in Edmonton. He will be greatly missed by his three children, Janice (Cory), Phil (Karie) and Andrew (Pam). He leaves behind his eight treasured grandsons: Jackson, Owen, Noah, Dylan, Hayden, Zachary, Gregory and Charles. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Marilyn, of 54 years in 2018, their son Blair in 1972 and his parents, Clarence and Emma. He also leaves behind his companion, Florence Lymburner.
Born in Vancouver, he grew up in Hope, B.C. and attended the University of British Columbia to study Science. He graduated from Dentistry at the University of Alberta in 1965 and then obtained a Masters Degree and PhD from the University of Toronto. He had a distinguished career in dentistry as Associate Dean at the University of Toronto, Dean for 11 years at the University of Alberta, and then served for over 20 years as the Executive Director and Registrar at the Alberta Dental Association and College. He published over 100 articles and wrote a book detailing the history of dentistry in Alberta. Gordon also worked with the World Health Organization and served as the Director of Dental Health Services with Alberta Public Health. Gordon was also an enthusiastic member of the International College of Dentists (Canada Section) and was serving as Registrar. He had fellowships with the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, the International College, the American College, the Pierre Fauchard Academy and Dentistry International. Gordon served on numerous boards including the International College of Dentists (Canada Section), Canadian Dental Association, Alberta Dental Association and College, Ontario Dental Association, Canadian Dental Regulatory Authorities Federation, Canadian Fund for Dental Education, Canadian Association of Public Health Dentistry, Health Canada, and Royal College of Dentists of Canada.
He has received numerous awards and accolades for his service to the profession, including the Distinguished Service Award and Honorary Membership from the Canadian Dental Association, along with their highest achievement, the Medal of Honour. He has also received Alumni Awards from the University of Toronto and the University of Alberta, as well as the Bulyea Cup from the University of Alberta Faculty of Dentistry. The Pierre Fauchard Academy bestowed their Award of Excellence and the International College of Dentists (Canada Section) awarded him the Presidential Citation. Gordon received the Award of Excellence from the Alberta Dental Association and College and recently had the Boardroom of the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta named in his honour.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Ottewell United Church at 6611 - 93A Avenue with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to CRINA (Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta) in his name.
My deepest condolences to the family. I worked for Dr. Thompson as his secretary at the Faculty of Dentistry. He taught me skills I carry with me today. I have thought of him often over the years. He will be greatly missed.
Deepest condolences to Gordon’s family and friends. He will be missed.
I read the notice of the death of your father with deep sadness and heartache. Both of your parents, Marilyn and Gordon, were wonderful friends and loved deeply by myself and my husband, Ken from the moment we met. I know your dad will be missed by so very many friends and colleagues across Canada and here in the US. Please accept my most sincere sympathy to all of the family in his loss. I have many memories of both of them in the years we lived in Edmonton and I still speak fondly of our lives there. Your families will remain in my heart always. Much love to you, Phil, Janice, and Andrew and all of your families as you mourn the loss of your father.
i spoke with him 2 weeks ago, just about life and good times. He guided me in first year dental school and all these years later. He was loved and his wisdom will live on in all his friends for ever.
Dear Janice, Phil, Andrew, Florence and entire Thompson family please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of your dear father and friend. Comfort for your sorrow.
Dr Gordon and my father met as post grad students in the 60s at the University of Toronto) and became firm friends. Some 30 years later at my first faculty Christmas party at The U of A the Dean Dr Raborn said ” I would like to introduce you to someone who knows your father” And the link of family friendship was renewed.
Dr Gordon Thompson was a focused and thoughtful mentor. He had a great sense of humor and a razor sharp mind. He was down to earth, hardworking and was a true visionary. He loved his family supporting their visions and dreams. I recall lovely plays at the Fringe with family performing. He in turn loved the work he did, and respected the history and contribution of dentists to the profession in Alberta and indeed Canada. He was an advocate for the profession and a seasoned disciplined politician.
There are many memories of Dr Gordon that warm my heart. His parties were iconic, his ideas visionary, his advice sound and his awards and accomplishments vast. But the thing that I will remember Dr Gordon for, is his authenticity, his kindness and his warm smile.
Thank you for executing your work with that quiet authenticity.
All of us who knew you and loved you, are going to miss you.
May the peace of The Almighty surround and comfort the hearts of Janice,Phil Andrew & Florence
Rest in peace Dear Dr Gordon
From the Botchway & Williams Family
Dr Christine A Botchway
Peter and Iris Cooney.
Deepest sympathies to Gordon’s family.
Apart from being a very wise advisor, Gordon was a great friend and a prince of a guy. He will be missed by us all.
Our prayers are with his family and friends.
I have fond memories of Gordon, both professionally and personally. He certainly helped me understand organized dentistry and provided wise counsel when I was CEO at the CDA. He also would go out of his way to make me feel welcome whenever I traveled to Alberta – and always made time for me when we attended meetings across the country and beyond. Gordon had a remarkable and unforgettable sense of humour that made the work that much more enjoyable. He was a wise leader and leaves a huge vacuum in oral health. I offer my condolences to his family and friends.
Dear Phillip Janice, Andrew and families Your father and grandfather was an integral part of our lives and will be sorely missed by all! I was particularly happy for his guidance, patience and perpetual advice during our time together on the ADA&C Board but we became friends as well which was cherished by both of us and Marilyn! Thank you for many great times together and Rest in Peace and Blessings to your family during their loss!! God Bless you all!
Love Stuart and Denise Root
My sincere condolences to the Thompson family. Gordon was a friend and mentor over the years as we worked together with the International College of Dentists. He taught me a great deal about leadership, professionalism and friendship. I shall carry his wisdom with me in the coming years and will recall our times together with great fondness.
To Gordon’s family and loved ones, may I offer the deepest condolences and sincere prayers of my family.
We were truly blessed to know Gordon, and to work and travel with him. He was a true statesman and THE most well-respected figure in the illustrious history of dentistry in Canada. He was a mentor to many of us, and the lessons he taught us will be forever.
He had a razor-sharp wit and a remarkable political savvy. He once told me at a dental meeting “take off your name tag as soon as you can – the people who you need to know already know who you are.” He was sage, and commanded attention when he spoke.
Despite all these accolades, Gordon’s greatest trait was his love for his family and his loyalty to those fortunate enough to be in his orbit. We will remember him with love and reverence, and miss him truly.
Jonathan and Devonne Skuba
DR NORMAN THOMAS AND FAMILY SEND HEARFELT SYMPATHIES AND CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF DR GORDON THOMPSON TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
I had the pleasure and honour of working with Gordon for almost 30 years. We traveled the world and he was highly respected wherever we went. Everyone sought out his wisdom and guidance. His sense of humour was unique and he always had that wry grin when he dropped a surprise on you. Recently I really enjoyed working with Gordon at the International College and saw his diligent work for dentists. He was a huge Oilers fan and he would always call me when he thought the goalies sucked and wondered when I was making a comeback. Recently, we were each others coaches as we battled our own battles with cancer, we gave each other pep talks. So sad he lost his battle but it was an epic fight. I will miss his calls and our lunches. RIP my dear friend.