Nick DiVirgilio was the guest of honour at the Thompson Community Foundation’s fall gala Oct. 22 as the 2016 recipient of the Order of Thompson, which honours individuals who have made lasting, lifelong contributions to life in the community.
Randy McKay presented DiVirgilio with the award, with the help of TCF president Sherry Krueger and treasurer Tim Johnston. “I’ve had the privilege over the last number of years to make a number of presentations,” said McKay. “They’re always enjoyable and enlightening, but there’s always a couple that are always a bit that are extra special, that strike home and hit you close because of the relationships that you have with people. This is one of those presentations.”
DiVirgilio first arrived in Thompson in 1964, not long after he had landed in Toronto after emigrating from Italy; he began working with Inco before pursuing training in electrical construction, and in 1969 he started his first business in electrical contracting.
In 1982, DiVirgilio purchased the building that would over time develop into what is today known as the North Centre Mall, where his family would continue his tradition of entrepeneurship: along with his own N.C. Crossroad Lanes and Striker’s Lounge, the mall houses Thompson’s iconic Book Nook (run by his son Tony) and more recently Salon Italia (operated by his eldest granddaughter Breanne).
Business contributions are a community’s lifeblood, and the role they play in a city’s growth can be unexpected: at least once, McKay insists, a foreign investor was convinced to move their winter testing operations based on the fact that Crossroad Lanes boasted five-pin and 10-pin bowling. But it was DiVirgilio’s selfless volunteership that has earned him the honours he was receiving that evening. DiVirgilio has been a lifelong Lions Club member, helping with the groups regular events such as weekly bingo and the annual Nickel Days parade. He was deeply involved in the expansion of the Thompson Public Library as well as the installation of the town clock commemorating Thompson’s founder and namesake, John Fairfield Thompson.
DiVirgilio hasn’t slowed down as he’s aged, either, currently sitting on the Boreal Discovery Centre board of directors, as well as being an avid contributor to Spirit Way. Perhaps most prominently, DiVirgilio has joined the Rotary Club, and has been an instrumental member in the planning and organization of the Thompson Lions Manor 55 senior housing facility. “I can tell you,” said McKay, “that anyone on that committee knows what a commitment Nick has made to ensure that it becomes a reality.”
“What I’ve always known about him is that he’s absolutely committed, loyal, he believes in his community, and he delivers on that promise,” said McKay. “He truly loves Thompson, is proud to be a Thompsonite, and is a shining example of what a true Thompsonite is.”
DiVirgilio offered tearful thanks as he accepted the award.
