Tribute

He loved an adventure, a good laugh, and a fun time. He was a family man, a career man and a loving husband. A man that was always up for a challenge, prepared to overcome difficulty, and always there to lend a hand; these are some of the ways to describe our father.

Living life his way and on his terms, Dad passed away July 14th after a short battle with cancer. He was predeceased by his father, Fred Tomlin and is survived by his loving wife and our mother, Jean Tomlin; his mother Dorothy Tomlin and his 3 siblings, Lorne, Ralph and Teresa. The Tomlin family have been part of Oliver for decades and Dad was very proud to be a member of a one of the towns’ recognized pioneering families.

Dad was born July 11, 1946 in Oliver, BC and spent his entire life in the Okanagan-Similkameen. He was a sports enthusiast and avid outdoorsman, participating from an early age in many activities including hockey, fishing and hunting. Over the years his many interests and outdoor pursuits also included fastball, golf, curling, and sport shooting in both trap and 5-stand.

Dad was a very active supporter of outdoor conservation participating in the BC Wildlife federation, Southern Okanagan Sportsman’s Association, and the Keremeos-Cawston Sportsman’s Association which also included being an official scorer for BC Wildlife Records book for 35+ years. He spent many years in the mountains on foot and on horseback, hunting, fishing, guiding, camping and enjoying the great outdoors with many friends and family.

Starting his career as a journeyman mason by attending the BC Vocational School (now BCIT), Dad spent many years in the building trades and went on to become a building inspector serving the Town of Keremeos, the Regional District of the South Okanagan Similkameen and the Town of Osoyoos; retiring in 2006.

While raising our family and working full time jobs, Mom and Dad also raised cattle, ran orchards and after retirement they planted a vineyard north of Oliver on the Tomlin family farm. Dad built eight beautiful homes with mom during their 56 years of marriage, all in the South Okanagan-Similkameen. The last home was built on the very property he was “born on”, when they moved, to provide care for his parents.

When not on his tractor, Dad could be found working on many of his hobbies in his shop. His favorite project was his full restoration of his ‘66 Mustang Fastback, which he later took to car shows and “show and shines” in the region.

Mom and Dad travelled to many parts of the world with their friends. They experienced the cultures of Italy, Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Cuba, Tibet and river cruises in France and China. They travelled both coasts of Canada and the US, including many of the National Parks. They took us to California and Hawaii as kids and years later took our families to Mexico.

Dad had so many talents, he could build and fix anything! He took us fishing, camping and horseback riding, he taught us how to shoot guns and drive trucks, he showed us how important it was to be honest, stand up for ourselves and be true to our word. Probably the most important skill he taught us was how to be independent, self-sufficient and creative in our thinking and our problem solving which will serve us for life. Dad may have left us in body, but his legacy will live on through us, his two loving children, his four grandsons and one great granddaughter.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com

We would like to thank the medical staff and nurses that provided so much support and care during this difficult time.

Jean, Denean, Jason and Rhonda