Clifford Oscar Thompson

Clifford “Oscar Helicopter” Thompson was born December 13, 1932, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Raised on the farm north of Moose Jaw near Tuxford, he worked the land and carried out his daily chores along with his three siblings. However, almost from the time he could walk, he dreamed of taking to the air and took his first flying lesson on May 2, 1954, at age 21. His first solo flight was later that year and he soon earned his Private Pilot License in February of 1955. In 1958, with very little money in his pocket and a crop spraying job waiting for him in a little Piper J3 Cub, a serendipitous meeting resulted in a free ride in a transport truck all the way to Winnipeg so he could quickly write the Commercial Pilot exam, leaving just enough for the bus ride home and nothing more. In 1959, after a season of crop spraying he attained his Pilot Instructor Rating and began teaching young Air Cadets how to fly at the Regina Flying Club. While in Regina he met and married a young nurse and while their union was brief, they welcomed a daughter Maria in June 1960. The North was calling, so in May of 1960 he went to La Ronge, Saskatchewan and began carving his career at Athabasca Airways flying bush planes, then five years later entered the new frontier of helicopters. These challenges, and many more throughout his career, showed his tenacity, grit, and passion for aviation. These qualities, plus sparkling blue eyes and some serious swagger, captivated Arlene Moan. On October 4th, 1969, they were married in Shellbrook, SK. Soon after, they welcomed Jayson and a few years later, Tracey.

Throughout his storied and adventurous 42-year career in aviation, Cliff was respected and revered as a skilled, confident, and natural pilot. Along side his regular work such as aerial forest firefighting, geological exploration, survey and wildlife work, his resume was peppered with missions he held close such as moose tagging with renowned wildlife veterinarian Jerry Haigh and TV personality and host of Wild Kingdom, Marlin Perkins, and even flying a grand piano under his helicopter to an outdoor stage at Whistler, BC for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. He maintained a deep respect for safety and for the machines he piloted throughout his flying career. In 2007, Cliff was awarded the Saskatchewan Aviation Council’s Distinguished Airman’s Award.

Cliff would be the first to admit the toll a pilot’s life can take on their families, sacrificing summers to fight forest fires and even more hours spent in the air and on the ground performing other duties. But he never gave up, not on his career, and not on his family. He was fiercely protective and unwaveringly proud of both. A true-blue northern boy who loved hunting, fishing, and the natural world, Cliff was full of great stories and hearty laughs, and he graciously shared a part of himself with everyone he met. His warmth, humour, love of music, and positivity will be dearly missed.

Cliff is predeceased by his wife, Arlene Thompson, his parents, Edwin and Sylvia Thompson, brother Dave Thompson; and brother-in-law and dear friend Al Meyer. He is survived by sister Evelyn Smith of Kelowna, BC, brother Dwight (Darlene) Thompson of Moose Jaw, sisters-in-law Sharon Meyer and Donalda McKinnon; daughter Maria (Tim) Coldwell of Assiniboia, son Jayson Thompson and daughter Tracey Thompson, and his cherished grandchildren, Jessica Thompson, Ethan Thompson, Jennifer (Drew) Lewis, Sydney (Cole) Wallin, Kyle (Mylene Swayze) Coldwell.

Cliff's Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 26, 2024 at Cherished Memories Funeral Home, located at 591 Centennial Drive North in Martensville. Following Cliff's service, his Interment will take place at the Warman Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Hospice at Glengarda, care of St. Paul's Hospital Foundation. The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to Glengarda for their incredible care and compassion. 

Martens Warman Funeral Home is honoured to be entrusted with Clifford's care.