Ian Thomson (colonial administrator) facts for kids
Sir Ian Thomson (born John Sutherland Thomson, 8 January 1920 – 13 March 2008) was a British leader who worked in Fiji for 40 years. He also served as the Administrator of the British Virgin Islands. He was known as Ian Thomson throughout his life, and later as Sir Ian Thomson after he received a special honour.
Life and Work
Ian Thomson was born in Glasgow, Scotland. His family started calling him Ian because there were many other John Thomsons in Glasgow. He went to the High School of Glasgow and then to the University of Glasgow.
In 1939, he joined the Black Watch, a famous Scottish army group. He still managed to finish his studies and earned a degree in economics in 1940. In 1941, he joined the Colonial Service, which was a group of people who helped manage British colonies around the world.
He was sent to Fiji, which was a British colony at the time. There, he became an aide-de-camp (a personal assistant) to the Governor, Sir Harry Luke. He also joined the Fiji Military Forces and fought in the Solomon Islands campaign during World War II. In 1945, he received an honour called the MBE for his brave service.
After the war, Ian Thomson continued to work in Fiji's government. He became a District Officer, helping to manage different areas of the country. From 1963 to 1966, he was a District Commissioner, a more senior role. In 1966, he joined the Executive Council, a group that helped the Governor make important decisions.
In 1967, he moved to become the Governor of the British Virgin Islands (BVI). He received another honour, the CMG, in 1968.
Ian Thomson returned to Fiji in 1971. The Prime Minister of the newly independent Dominion of Fiji, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, asked him to lead the Fiji Sugar Corporation. He also became the chairman of Fiji's airline, Air Pacific. In 1985, he was given the title of Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) by the Queen, which meant he was known as Sir Ian Thomson.
Family Life
In 1945, Ian Thomson married Nancy Kearsley. She was from Fiji, and her family had lived there for many generations. They had one daughter and seven sons. One of their sons, Peter Thomson, later became a diplomat for Fiji.
In 1986, Nancy became ill, and they moved back to Scotland. She passed away in 1988.
