30 December, 2022
It is with deep regret that RAUSI announces the passing of Col Lee Thompson, CD on 19 December 2022. Col Thompson was the CSS "godfather" to all reserve combat service service support soldiers. He commanded Calgary Service Battalion, the Southern Alberta Militia District in 1970-1973. He served as RAUSI President in 1981, and was awarded Lifetime Membership for his service to the Institute.
Colonel Thompson was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His military career began with the cadets in 1942. He attended the University of Manitoba from 1948 to 1954 as an articled student under the Manitoba Institute of Chartered Accountancy.
He joined 6 Column, RCASC in Winnipeg in 1953, prior to moving to Calgary and joining 7 Column, RCASC in 1955. He was commissioned in 1956 and served in several positions including Officer Commanding, 150 Company (RCASC) and Battalion second-in-command prior to taking command of 14 (Calgary) Service Battalion in 1967. He relinquished command in 1970 and subsequently commanded the Calgary Militia Battalion Group prior to assuming command of Southern Alberta Militia District from 1970 to 1973.
During his military service, Colonel Thompson served as Honorary Aide-de-Camp to The Honorable Grant McEwan, Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Alberta and also to The Right Honorable Roland Michner, Governor General of Canada.
In 1973, Colonel Thompson retired from the Canadian Army, however he maintained his ties with the Battalion and from January 1980 until January 1987, he served as Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of 14 Service Battalion. He was appointed Honorary Colonel in January of 1987 and served until 1993.
Outside of his military experience, Colonel Thompson was involved with the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede and is a Life Director. He was also Chairman of the Calgary Military Museums Society, the Corps of Commissionaires (Southern Alberta) and the Royal Alberta United Services Institute.