Mark Thompson

Mark was born in Oakland, California on June 17, 1939. He grew up in northern California. He then earned post secondary degrees from the University of Notre Dame and Cornell University. He was a proud supporter of Notre Dame Football-Go Irish! He also enjoyed watching the Toronto Blue Jays and our local Canadians. 

Mark was a Professor at UBC Sauder School of Business for over 40 years. He was a gifted teacher and widely respected scholar who helped shape labour policy across Canada. Even after retiring in 2002, Mark remained active in research, mentorship, and advocacy. In 2018, he was appointed to the Order of Canada in recognition of his service to labour-management relations and public policy. 

Mark was a prolific traveler and was deeply interested in international development, workers' safety and health. He studied and worked in several United Nations agencies helping to set policies. He and his family lived in 6 countries throughout his life. He had a long enduring interest in Mexico, delighting in the people, the food and music. He lived there several times doing research. 

Mark was a man of faith and a upheld a strong belief in Catholic Social Teaching. Mark and Mary joined Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in 1972. Over the years, he remained active in the parish as a Eucharistic Minister and member of the Parent Education Committee, the Refugee Committee, and Chair of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He was a longtime supporter of Development and Peace and recently gave a lecture on Catholic Social Teaching. 

Mark is survived by: Mary, his loving wife of 57 years. His children - James, (and his wife, Anne,and their daughters Kate, Cara and Mimi, plus grand dog Whistler), Julie (and her partner, Mike, and their children Cooper, and Farley) and Drew, (and his partner, Kate). He is also survived by his sister, Peggy Desmond and her children and grandchildren. He was blessed to be able to spend time with all of his children and grandchildren this summer. 

A mass of Christian Burial will be held at OLPH on August 30th at 11:00. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Development and Peace, Caritas Canada or St. Mark’s College, UBC.