Thompson, Sir Ralph Patrick Biography 1991

THOMPSON, Sir Ralph Patrick
Knighted 1980; Barrister and Solicitor; Former Company Director.
Born Wairoa, 19 June 1916, son of John Thompson and Anne (nee Bain); married (1) Dorothy Maud Simes, daughter of Richard Francis and Ethel Maud Simes, 1940 (d 1981); (2) Dorothy Maisie Wilton, daughter of John Henry and Isabella Wilton, 1988; one son, two daughters.
Educated: Nelson Park Primary School, Napier, Hastings Street Primary School, Napier; Napier Boys’ High School, Dannevirke High School; Canterbury University, LCB, 1938.
Barrister, solicitor; now consultant to Ralph Thompson Shaw & Thompson; President, Canterbury District Law Society, 1962; Founder, Canterbury Medico-Legal Society, 1963; Former Director (and chairman of many); Lion Nathan Ltd, Schweppes NZ Ltd, Leopard Breweries Ltd, McWilliams Wines Ltd, Canterbury Wine and Spirits Co Ltd, Consolidated Hotels Ltd, Waitaki International Ltd, United Building Society, Provident Life Assurance Co Ltd, Phoenix Assurance Co Ltd, NZ Refining Co Ltd, M O’Brien & Co Ltd, Canterbury NZ Seed Co Ltd.
Chairman, Cathedral of Blessed Sacrament fund-raising appeal, 1970; Chairman SA Advisory Board, 1972.
Recreations: swimming, walking, reading (particularly history and classics), attending sports events.
Address: 115 Heaton Street, Christchurch