Hugh Thomson

Obituary

Thomson, Hugh E., Jr.

Castleton-Hugh (“Tom”) Thomson, 88, former owner of Albany Hydraulics, Christian and Patriot
Hugh (“Tom”) E. Thomson, Jr passed away peacefully on December 26, 2018 at Albany Medical Center at the age of 88 after a short illness. Tom was born in Schenectady NY on March 19, 1930 and was the son of the late Hugh E. and Martha (Nydegger) Thomson of Charlton, NY. He is survived by his daughter Deborah (Curt) Thomson Marsh and sister Patricia (Don) Thomson Herr. Tom’s wife Sara (Sally) Sherk Thomson passed away in 1995 and his son Mark H. Thomson passed away in 2016. Tom has many nieces and nephews who will miss him.
As owner of Albany Hydraulics, Tom was an innovator in adopting computerized inventory and billing systems for small business. He shared those processes and his other business innovations with other members of the Equipment Service Association (ESA). Tom served as the national President of ESA for several years.
Tom had a love for the outdoors and especially boating, skiing, hunting and competition shooting. He skied into his 70s and remained an outdoorsman for life. For many years Tom and his family were members of the Saratoga Lake Sailing club and he loved racing sailboats and being with other members of the club. He was Commodore for several years and helped the members to build and maintain the club. He continued his love of boating and the water with several motor trawlers on the Hudson and lived for a time on his boat in New Bern, NC. After returning to Castleton from North Carolina, Tom continued to boat on the Hudson and eventually moved his boat “Final Upgrade” to Lake Champlain.
In addition to his love for boating, Tom also loved his dogs. In his 40s and 50s, he would hunt with and show his English Settlers; Star, Tide and Sandy. Later, he was joined by Marcy who became his constant companion. After Marcy passed, Bella and Ivy kept him company.
In recent years, Tom directed his efforts towards competition shooting with his friends at the Castleton Fish and Game Protective Association. He thoroughly enjoyed the technical challenges and physical skill of Bench-rest shooting and the camaraderie of other club members.
For many years Tom was an Elder at Emmanuel Reformed Church in Castleton and was active in church financial administration. He was blessed to have many friends in the church, his neighborhood and at the gun club who became his extended family.
A Celebration of his Life Service will be held at Emmanuel Reformed Church, 1150 Maple Hill Road, Castleton-on-Hudson, NY 12033 on January 6, 2019 at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Emmanuel Reformed Church.

Ray Funeral Service, Inc.
59 Seaman Ave.
Castleton, NY 12033
(518)732-7663

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