The Stratford community is mourning the disadvantage of one of its favorite local figures, Rio Thompson, founder of Rio Thompson Candies and long -owned. Rheo died peacefully in the Startford General Hospital on Saturday, June 7, 2025 in the early hours of Saturday, June 7, 2025. He was 85 years old and leaves a legacy, which was sweet as a confection that bored his name. Rheo was a figure whose effect on Stratford was deep as the history of his cute candy shop, and its passing marks the end of an era to the city.
Born in Port Arthur, Ontario, Rheo was the late Jack and the nutritious son of Anne (Faulfar) Thompson. He survived his 60 -year -old 60 -year -old wife, Sally (Alice) Thompson, and his daughters, Marni Thompson (Alvin Bolkovic) and Heather Thompson (Michael Gingras). Rheo will be remembered by her sister -in -law Joyce McGrag with several nieces, nephews, expanded families and countless friends, which she had the privilege to know. His family was his world, and he stood as a will for love and dedication shown throughout his life. She was predetermined by her brothers, Fred and Herold, her in -laws, Catherine and Alfred Ellis and her sister -in -law Jean Piper.
Rio Thompson’s name became synonymous with sweet behavior and community spirit. 35 years ago, he established the Rio Thompson Candies, starting with crafting handmade chocolate at the basement of his home. His passion for chocolate soon blossomed at Albert Street in Stratford now-a nutritious destination for local people and visitors. Especially known for its signature mint smoothie, the candy shop not only became a business, but an integral part of Stratford’s attraction and identity.
Make Rio’s chocolate so special, it was not only the quality of confection, but the love and care in each composition. Every piece of chocolate, every mint was prepared with smoothie, the same passion and dedication that defined Rio’s life. His candy shop became a symbol of the warmth and hospitality of Stratford, and it was a place where families made memories, friends gathered, and visitors left with smiles on their face and sweet behavior in hand. Rheo’s influence on the local economy was undisputed, but their influence was far ahead of the delicious candies created by him. He was an active, engaged member of the Stratford community, whose contribution gave shape to the city and helped bring it together.
Rheo’s love for his community was clear in many of his contributions to local organizations. He was a founding member of the downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area (BIA), and he played an important role in the revival of the downtown region. His tireless support for local businesses, his advocacy to improve the downtown core, and his vision for the development of Stratford earned him the honor and praise of civil leaders, business owners and residents equally.
“Rio can be found the most in the heart of our community, enjoying coffee on one of its favorite places,” said Jamie Priyard, general manager of the downtown Strateford BIA, Downtown Strateford. “He always had time for a conversation, a kind word and a smile. He was a patron for many, and his appearance would be depths deeply.”
Rheo’s warmth, humility and generous feeling increased beyond his professional achievements. He was known for his active participation in various community organizations, including Stratford Rotary Club, Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans (ANAF) and Stratford Noon Hour Club. His commitment to giving back was a defined characteristic of his character, and he became an example for others how to live a life full of generosity and kindness. He was always ready to lend one hand, share a smile, or advise those who needed it.
As much as he was known for his professional success, Rio also had a light side that brought happiness to the people around him. He was an enthusiastic card player who was often seen enjoying the game of bridge, kribage, or eucalyptus with his close friends. Whether it was through sports, socialization, or simply enjoying a quiet conversation, Rheo had a unique ability to welcome and feel valuable. His humor, intellect, and real interest in others made him someone who wanted to stay around you, and his presence rested all those who knew him.
Beyond his business and community contribution, Rheo had a deep love for fishing, especially for fishing. He often spends time in fishing with his beloved friend John, making memories in the calm peace of nature. His love for nature, like his love for his family and his community, was honest and unbreakable. These moments in nature were a reflection of simplicity and peace that defined his life a lot.
While the passing of Rio has a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends and Stratford community, the memory of his life inspires those who knew him. Their legacy is in the sweet confectiones that remain in Rio Thompson Candies, in the vibrant city area that he helped to make, and in countless life he touched with his generosity, heat and kindness.
A celebration of Rheo’s life will be held in the coming weeks, family, friends and community members will be given a chance to share their stories, memories and laughter, which brought so much sweetness in their life. This festival will be a suitable tribute to a person whose life was defined not only from his business but also from his commitment to make his character, his compassion and the world a better place. Those who knew Rheo would remember not only for those delicious chocolate that they had prepared, but also showed all the people around them for kindness and generosity.
Rio Thompson on Stratford has more than their time in business. He was a column of his community, a mentor, a friend, a husband and a father. Their influence can be felt in every corner of the city, from the city shops they helped nurture the hearts of those who knew them. Rheo’s legacy is one of the sweetness, not only in the candies he created, but the way she lived her life: with mercy, humility and a commitment to make the world a better place.
As a tribute Stratford and beyond, one thing is certain: Rheo will tolerate memory. His kindness, generosity and unwavering commitment to his community have left an indelible impression on the city, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Rest in Peace, Rio Thompson. Your heritage touched the sweetness of your confection, your heart’s kindness, and countless life. you will never be forgotten.