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In Memoriam: Rob Thompson
Office of the Dean
With sadness, we share the passing of Rob Thompson on October 3, 2026.
Rob’s loss will be felt deeply across our community. Over the past nine years, he served Western University in a number of leadership roles, most recently as the director of facilities and space planning at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.
Beyond his leadership roles, Rob was known for the relationships he built and the care he brought to his work. He was a generous and supportive colleague who valued collaboration, brought humour to even the most challenging days and made those around him feel appreciated.
Above all, Rob was a loving husband and father, and treasured time spent with his family.
He loved life’s simple pleasures, including music, hiking, backyard bonfires and well-timed dad jokes. An avid runner and marathoner, he enjoyed early morning runs and sharing his passion for the sport with family, friends and colleagues. He also took great pride in his impressive collection of board games, often bringing people together for friendly competition and plenty of laughter.
Throughout his treatments, Rob continued to show up for his village. He was intentional about how he spent his limited energy, choosing to invest it in the people he loved and the experiences that mattered most to him.
As his communities rallied around him and joined Team Thompson’s Beneva Mississauga Marathon race group, Rob shared personal messages, videos and music, expressing his gratitude for the outpouring of love and support. His family and friends are honouring his wish to run on April 25, 2027, representing all distances – 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon. Colleagues and friends are welcome to participate and register to join the team in celebrating Rob’s life and his passion for running.
A Celebration of Life is also being planned for Saturday, May 1, 2027, with further details to be shared.
During his hospital stays and appointments, Rob expressed deep gratitude for the expert and compassionate care he received at London Health Sciences Centre, including the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre. It was his wish that donations in his memory be used to support learners at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, having been continually impressed by their skills, compassion and dedication throughout his care.
For many at Western, Rob was not simply a colleague, but a friend and valued member of our community. He will be greatly missed, and remembered fondly for his booming laughter, witty banter, joyful spirit and tremendous generosity.
Through the way he lived, Rob reminded us that a meaningful life is measured not simply by the years we are given, but by the love we share and the connections we make.
Read Rob’s obituary via Westview Funeral Home.