Eileen Margaret Thomson

Eileen Thomson (May 13, 1946 – May 4, 2025)

Eileen was born in Clydebank Scotland in 1946. In her early twenties she emigrated with her mother and sister to Toronto. Eileen had trained as a teacher in Scotland, but her certificate was not recognized in Canada. Eileen moved to Victoria in the 1960’s. She spent most of her working life with the Ministry of Forests.

Eileen was an ardent animal lover. While working full time, she spent her weekends driving up to Mill Bay to volunteer at the Good Shepherd Animal Shelter. Because the conditions there were so appalling, Eileen adopted many of the dogs and brought them home. Her vet called them her “geriatric ward” as most of them had missing legs, were deaf or blind or had other challenges. Eileen’s love for animals was so great she took in a homeless man and his dog who lived in her suite for many years and became like extended family.

On her retirement, Eileen volunteered for the Victoria Animal Crusaders staffing their phone line. Again, she went far beyond the call of duty – often attending the scene and offering aid to a distressed person in financial or medical need.

Eileen always had a dog of her own and, after losing her last dog, sold her house and moved into the Victorian at McKenzie Retirement Residence. Before her health failed, Eileen walked other residents’ dogs and looked after their cats when they were away or unwell. Eileen’s last pet was her cat, Norma, adopted from the Victoria Animal Control Shelter whose work she always supported. Norma became the mascot of the third floor and brought much joy to the residents on that floor.

Eileen was a major donor to several animal welfare groups including the North Island Wildlife Recovery Association which became her favourite.

Eileen had a forthright manner, a quick wit and a tender heart. She died on May 4th, 2025. She would have been 79 on May 13th.

Her friends are left to mourn her loss.