Keith Thompson, former principal of Humboldt Collegiate Institute (HCI), passed away on Aug. 28 in a tragic car accident at the age of 45.
Thompson and a 26-year-old woman named Shari Lynn both died in a head-on collision on highway 39 near Moose Jaw. It is still unknown what caused the accident.
"He was a very outgoing man," said Tom Schwinghamer, teacher at HCI and former colleague of Thompson. "He was assertive. He made the whole school his own."
Thompson was principal of HCI from 2010 to 2012. According to his former colleagues, he worked hard to make sure the school was put together properly.
"He carried the school on his shoulders," said David Rowe, another teacher at HCI. "He stood up for what he thought was right. He fought for his values, one of which was this school."
Thompson is the reason the school has new furniture, supplies, and technology, said his colleagues. He put a lot of work into outfitting the place.
"He picked up the slack," said Rowe. "Rather than lose a program, he took it over."
Thompson became assistant director of education at Holy Family RCSSD 140 in Weyburn in the summer of 2012. After Thompson became superintendent, Cory Popoff left his post as a superintendent and came back to HCI as principal.
"He had a strong vision and he knew what was needed to see that vision through," said Popoff. "I knew he was destined to one day find himself in central office."
Thompson is survived by his wife, Chantelle Thompson, and his two kids, Matthew and Brie Thompson.
