Philanthropic Couple Died 8 Days Apart After Giving Away Millions

Roy Thompson, a prominent Queensland philanthropist and businessman, died on August 7, 2023, just eight days after his wife, Nola Thompson, passed away from Stage 4 ovarian cancer. The couple, married for 69 years and parents to eight children, were known for their extensive philanthropic efforts, particularly in the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland, Australia, having given away more than $20 million from their fortune accumulated through hotel and property ventures. Their son, Peter Thompson, suggested that Roy's passing was hastened by grief, stating, "His prognosis was a broken heart." The Thompsons deliberately maintained a modest lifestyle, with Roy Thompson explaining their philosophy in a 2021 interview with The Catholic Leader, "I'm 87, can't live forever, can't take it with you, so why shouldn't you give it to people where you've made the money? I've made a lot of money here and why not give it back?" By 2018, their significant contributions included a $15 million donation to the University of the Sunshine Coast. This included a $7 million building dedicated to the Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience—Thompson Institute, a research center focused on mental health. Their gifts also established scholarships and bursaries for students, with provisions extending through 2075. The institute further honored Nola with the Nola Thompson Centre for Advanced Imaging. The couple's generosity extended beyond academia. In 1979, Roy Thompson initiated the Sunshine Coast Rescue Helicopter Service. They also contributed $2 million to the Wishlist Centre, which provides accommodation for patients and their families near the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. In April 2021, they entrusted over $5 million to the Buderim Foundation to create the Thompson Charitable Fund. Roy Thompson's service to the community was recognized with an Order of Australia award. Brendan Hogan, CEO of the hospital charity Wishlist, commented to Sunshine Coast News that "Roy and Nola in very real, humble ways, helped to change the face of philanthropy on the Sunshine Coast." The couple's combined legacy highlights a profound commitment to community betterment through substantial financial contributions and the establishment of enduring charitable initiatives.