David "Dan" Thomson

David Daniel “Dan” Thomson of Ellenton, Florida (previously of St. Petersburg for 35 years), passed away at 80 years old on Friday January 8th, 2021.
He was born on March 27,1940 in New Castle, Indiana to parents, James and Helen Thomson. His father immigrated from Scotland and Dan was born as a first generation American. He was the youngest boy, of 7 siblings. He is preceded in death by, his parents James and Helen, his wife Carmel, and son Kenneth. He is survived by his son Keith Thomson Esq. and daughter Kelly Pendleton both of St. Petersburg, FL. He is also survived by his loving nieces and nephews, a sister Peggy and many extended family, all over the world. Also survived by his loving companion of 15 years, Diana Mangum of Ellenton, FL. Dan graduated from New Castle High School in New Castle, IN. in 1957 and joined the Navy and served as an Airman 3rd Class Air Control, worked on an aircraft carrier, where he earned the Good Conduct Medal. He was based in Pearl City, Hawaii, and Guam and was discharged with honors 4 years later. After the Navy he moved to California where he met Carmel his wife of 37 years and had 3 children: Kelly, Kenneth, and Keith. In 1970 they settled in St. Petersburg, FL where he resided for 35 years. Dan worked for St. Petersburg Times and Evening Independent as a News Photo Paste Up Supervisor, in which he retired after 25 years. After a very short retirement, he started his second career as a very successful Irish Pub Owner. He built, owned and managed the Ould Dublin Pub located in St. Petersburg, FL. It was an around the clock job he fully embraced and had truly found his calling in life, as he always loved good people, song and dance. Dan was born with Golf in his blood, having a father that was born in Troon Scotland (the birthplace of golf). His very own father was a caddy at St. Andrews Golf Course. From the time he and his brothers could walk, he learned how to golf and quite well as he played many years as a tournament golfer with a 5 handicap!!
Later in the 1990’s Dan rated Golf courses for the State of Florida. Then went on to write for a golf magazine, rating golf courses throughout Florida. He went undercover as an average golfer (duffer) for the golf magazine Florida Golf Central based in Orlando. He was the original “Duffer Dan and the undercover gang”! After a second retirement he moved to Duette, FL to try his hand at ranching for a few years and then finally settled in Ellenton with his companion Diana. He enjoyed his motorcycle rides, weekly golf and kept a full social calendar of travel and fine dining.
 We know how very special our Dad was to everyone and anyone who had the privilege to know him or love him also knows how truly wonderful he was… It really goes without saying, he had a passion for life. He loved his Children, Family and Friends with all his heart. He was the sincerest, most loving person you could ever want to know. He was genuine and loved living life to the fullest!!
We are beyond blessed, honored and so very proud to have called him ours. The good times, the life’s lessons and all the fond memories, we will carry with us always. We will continue to make him proud with our heads held high, knowing who and where we came from, always. He was the coolest Dad EVER! Please raise a toast to him and never forget what a truly great man Dan the man who will and can was! Dan had never met a stranger, they were all just friends he hadn't met.
 
"I've been a wild rover for many’s the year
And I've spent all me money on whiskey and beer
But now I'm returning with gold in great store
And I never will play the wild rover no more
And it's no, nay, never
No, nay never no more
Will I play the wild rover
No never no more".
* Due to COVID protocols; Memorial service at Bay Pines Cemetery and Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date

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