John Thomson retires

This is probably the most difficult piece that I have ever had to write but I wanted my readers to know what is happening with The Thomson Report for the future.

I have decided to put the column to bed. I have been writing the column since 1989, twenty-two years.  I have some health problems that have to be attended to and at my age that is an important milestone.

It has been a blast writing “Rumours and Things” for all these years and when I look back at the archives I have kept of the columns, we did some neat things.  We chased a few scammers away and tried to keep the public informed on what was happening out there, what was new, what was rumoured and what was real.

Kelowna has been a very important stop in our lives and thirty-three years later it is still the place to be. We are so fortunate. I started my columnist journey in 1989 with Paul Byrne’s magazine Okanagan Business, now Okanagan Life. Five years later I went to three columns a week with the Daily Courier where I remained for ten years. They retired me. Nick Frost, the owner of Castanet called from his vacation home in Hawaii that same week and said he would be home soon and not to make any plans.  I was to meet him at the Coast Capri Hotel that Friday afternoon. I had never done anything like this before, writing for Internet. It was a challenge and a good one for me.  It kept me busy and at my age that’s a good thing.

I say goodbye for now as I look after some continuing health issues.  If we bump into each other, say hello, I'm always ready to talk to you and get the latest tip. You have been great to work for. I will miss you.

Editors note:  Castanet respects John's wishes to retire.  We are sad to see him go.  On behalf of Castanet and our viewers we would like to thank John for his tremendous dedication and contribution to our site.  Farewell John and best wishes!