Robert Larry Thompson

With deep sadness we announce the passing of Robert Larry Thompson at home on July 7, 2026 at the age of 80 years. He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends.

Robert is survived by his sisters May Ryplanski and Betty Berthelet along with 28 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Helgi and Hlif Thompson; his brothers, Clifford, Stanley, Harold and Allan; his sisters, Margaret, Eileen, Eleanor, Linda, and Sylvia; his nephews, Donny Berthelet, David Munro, Bruce Nesbit, Perry Nesbit; and his niece, Jennifer Munro.

Robert was the youngest of twelve children born to Helgi and Hlif Thompson. He was born May 28, 1946 and grew up on the family farm in Langruth, Manitoba, where he developed a strong work ethic and a lifelong connection to farming under the guidance of his father and older brothers.

At the age of 17, Robert began commercial fishing on Lake Manitoba with his friend, Donny Smith. A few years later, Robert, Donny, and three friends travelled to Manitouwadge, Ontario, where they worked in the mining industry and shared a home together. Eventually, Robert returned to Langruth, resuming his life of farming during the summer months and commercial fishing in the winter.

Farming and fishing remained central to Robert’s life. On his farm, he focused primarily on raising cattle while also taking on various jobs, including work in the Langruth railway yard and assisting Joey Johnson with his farming operation. In 2013, Robert began fishing with Kevin Wilson, continuing a tradition that he greatly enjoyed.

In 2010, Robert travelled to Iceland with sisters Betty, Linda, May and Sylvia, brother Allan and sister-in-law Louise. The trip provided a meaningful opportunity to connect with distant relatives and explore his family’s heritage.

In his seventies, Robert sold his farming operation and moved to a home just south of Langruth. Although he stepped away from farming, he continued commercial fishing on Lake Manitoba during the winter seasons until 2025. In 2024, he relocated to Gladstone, Manitoba, where he enjoyed participating in community activities, including curling playing pool and meeting friends for coffee. 

Robert was a well-known and valued member of his community. He cherished the many friendships he built throughout Langruth, Gladstone, and the surrounding area. His kindness, hard work, and quiet dedication to those around him will be remembered by all who knew him.

A service will be held on July 25th, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., at Grace Lutheran Church in Langruth, Manitoba. Interment will follow at Big Point Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church or Big Point Cemetery, both of Langruth, Manitoba.