Sept. 19, 1945 - Sept. 20, 2012
We are sad to announce the passing of Tom Tomlinson or “Big Tom” as he was affectionately known by many. He was a much loved father, and beloved grandpa, brother and uncle of a large family. Tom lived in 100 Mile House for over 43 years. He grew up in the Rock Creek/Greenwood area of the Kettle River Valley. He enjoyed reminiscing about the vintage cars of his youth, and the numerous close calls he had roaring around the Okanagan. Tom loved to collect cars, vintage cats and farm equipment that reminded him of his youth. Tom’s heart belonged to the Haynes Ranch which he referred to as his first home. He worked his whole life running sawmills and operating logging equipment, often alongside his father. He moved to the Cariboo and began working at the Jens Mill, now West Fraser Sawmill. He spent most of his years at the mill as a respected Saw Filer. His family soon followed him to 100 Mile House. Tom loved the beauty that the Cariboo had to offer, and enjoyed fishing and camping at all of the small back wood lakes. Tom lived his dream of stock car racing and was also the famous “anchor” in the tug of war event for Logging Sports. He won numerous trophies for both. Many did not know that Tom lived bravely with multiple illnesses. He never allowed his sense of humour or passion for dreaming of the future to be swayed. His physical strength and determination to live life can only be matched by the size of his kind and loving heart. Tom’s pride and joy were his children, grandchildren and his large family that loved him tremendously.
He is survived by son Maurice Tomlinson and Isabell Goncalves-Sewall – Alesha, Angela, Brandon and Jenny; daughter Melody (Tomlinson) and Andy McIntosh – Kyrstie, Ryley and Dylan; son Trevis and Denise LeDuc – Jordan; sister Sue (Tomlinson) Dumont – Cora and Josh Doerksen [Gabby], Steven and Rhea Dumont [Damon and Carson], Laura Dumont [Hunter James]; sister Evelyn (Tomlinson) and Leo Holthuysen – John and Kathy Robinson [Shaun, Christopher, Nicole, Cadance, Cassidy], Lyle and Roxanne Robinson [April, James and Melicia], Kieth and Laurie Robinson, [Danny, Amanda and Josh, Callie], Art and Bitsy Young [Jamie and David Lamb, Madison and Cailey, Neil, Christina and Scott Pattyson, Kendra Camron], Jennifer Shaff [Taylor and Alli], Ernie Robinson and family, Trevor and Tabitha Robinson and family; sister Marj Ann Cline – Robert Dale Tomlinson, Jayliene Cline and Jamie Alton [Jastra, Cavanaugh, Nolan], Nancy and Joe Rainville [Carey and Richard, Beau, Jerri-lyn], Russell and Natalie Cline [Charity, Breanna], Fred and Delphene Cline [Chelsey, Jared and Marley, Jenna, Josh, Donanne]; brother John and Sharon Tomlinson - Kim and Bruce [Rylee, Al, Zoey, and Randi Lee], Kelly and Steve [Max, Jocelyn, Lauren], Rick Tomlinson, Teresa (Tomlinson) and Paul Fett [Tyler, Tory, Nicole and Lisa], Jason (Tomlinson) and Danica [Aurora, Jayden, and Sadie]; sister Michelle and Bob Brown- Tonya and Kris [Jordan], Amanda and Jay [Dylan, Caitlyn and Jeremy]; sister Louise (Tomlinson) and Ralph Middlemass - Michael and Jessica [Jacynta, Brooke-lyn], Jessica and Matt McNiel [Kaleb, Hailey], Mathew; brother Randy and Dawn Haywood – Taylor, Brycen, Devyn [Jose and Hayley]; brother Bud Tomlinson; nephews Derick and Tyler Tomlinson; loving friend, Grandma and Mom – Joan Dick [Arthur, Savannah, Chelsea and Roxy]; and his best friend and companion – Little Jack as well as a rich bounty of extended family and friends. Predeceased by brother Ken Tomlinson.
Tom will live forever in our hearts and memories.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Horse Lake Christian Fellowship - Good News Centre, 5827 Horse Lake Road, on Saturday, September 29, at 11:30 a.m.
The family welcomes you to join them for a luncheon following the service.
100 Mile Funeral Service Ltd.
entrusted with the arrangements. 250-395-3243
Condolences can be sent to the family care of www.100milefuneralservice.com