Tribute

The family of Fred Tomlin is saddened to announce his passing on the morning of November 26, at the age of 98 years.

Fred was a prominent member of the community of Oliver for many, many years, was a father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather, and was “Uncle Fred” to not only his nieces and nephews, but to many others as well.

Dad was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Lil Tomlin, siblings Doris, Irene, Vic and Alan, and granddaughter Lois.

He is survived by his wife of over 77 years, and the love of his life Dorothy, sons Lorne (Kathy), Dennis (Jean), Ralph (Michele) and daughter Teresa. He is also survived by six grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

Dad was born in Taber, Alberta on June 22, 1920, to Bill and Lil (Parker) Tomlin. After an initial move to Summerland the family moved to, and settled in Oliver in 1922, where, other than four years during the Second World War, Dad has resided ever since.

As a young man in the thirties, there was an expectation to find work and help support the family, so finishing school was not an option. Despite that, he was self taught in many disciplines and went on to succeed and excel in his many endeavours. In addition to being a successful farmer, he ran a number of successful business and for several years was the manager of the Haynes Co-op. He was an accomplished musician who spent his entire life involved in music at some level, whether it be in dance bands or the army band.

After purchasing property 3 miles north of Oliver, dad enlisted in the army and shipped out New Years eve, 1941. Sending money home from his army pay and dance bands, trees were purchased and the orchard was planted. After the war ended in 1945, he stayed on with the army until his discharge in March 1946, at which time he returned to Oliver and started farming.

During the next 40 or more years Dad was as involved in the community as anyone could possibly be. He served as the first president of the South Okanagan Bee Keepers Association, for 25 years was the president of the Board of Directors of the Oliver Credit Union, was in the Elks, the Legion, the Knights of Columbus, was one of the builders of the Cherry Grove Golf Course and was on the committee that brought ice rink to Oliver in the late 60’s. He was involved in many other groups and organizations, including many years with the Oliver Heritage Society where his most recent accomplishment was to form a committee that brought about the John Oliver statue in front of the Village Office.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the staff and caregivers at McKinney Place for their care over the last two years. He liked his coffee hot and his ice cream cold.

Dad, after a lifetime of devotion to family, the community, music and farming, it is time to take a rest. We’ll take it from here.

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