Miriam Anne Tomlinson born on April 28, 1942, finished her life journey on September 19, 2020. Miriam was the daughter of Cecil and Ruth Barner, she is survived by her two sons William and John, and her grandson Jaxon. While working as a secretary at the Empress Hotel, she met Ron, her future husband and father of their two sons William and John.
Miriam greatly loved her family as well as nature, birds, and gardening. She was a wonderful mother, and a great teacher. She graduated with a Master’s Degree in education from the University of Victoria and had a 35-year career as an elementary school teacher.
She will be deeply missed and long remembered by those who knew and loved her. Ronald and Miriam will be laid to rest in a combined Graveside Service, to be held in the Woodlands Section of the Royal Oak Burial Park, 4673 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, on Friday, June 25, 2021 at 11:00 am.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Brian McGavin
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Wendy Wilkins For William, Jaxon & John. I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom & grandmother Miriam. Didn’t seem that long ago that your dad passed either, my sincere condolences. My mother Jeanette Wilkins (nee Wight) was Ron’s cousin & they communicated quite a bit until her death in 2014. She would frequently talk fondly of the emails, phone calls, etc. I remember going over to Glady’s for visits & family BBQ’S with my mom and also my grandma Bernice, Ron’s Aunt, at the house by the Royal Jubilee. Feel free to reach out to me & also if there will be a service for either your mom or dad. Wendy Wilkins : wendyberi74@gmail.com
Take care.
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Bill Longman William, John and Jaxon I’m so saddened by your loss of your Mother and Grand Mother. Reading these condolences she certainly was a respected and loved person, as was your Dad. Had I lived on your side of Georgia Straight I’m sure I would have gotten to know all of you better. In my youth our family spent a lot of time visiting with your extended family.
God Bless,
Bill Longman
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Joan McNeely I was very sad to hear of Miriam’s passing. I knew her at Douglas Street Baptist Church when her father, the Rev Barner was our minister there. We lost touch for many years and reconnected when she taught my two children at Hillcrest Elementary school. She was an excellent teacher and we all remember her very fondly. I am so sorry for your loss.
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Diane Jesshope (formerly Carrigan) Very sorry to hear of your loss. My first acquaintance with Miriam was at UVIC in the mid-nineties when she befriended me as we attended classes together. I will always remember her cheery smile – even when confronted with difficult tasks. Her persistence was contagious! My condolences.
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Al Wiseley I was always impressed with both Miriam and Rons’ endless contributions to the development of the humanist community here in Victoria. Several others and I owe them a debt of gratitude for the many years of effort they put into our organization. Who can forget the two Cadillac convertibles they drove in all the local parades, with teams of our members, signage and Canadian flags waving to the receptive on-lookers.
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Berna Ruffell I would like to offer a message of condolence to the family on behalf of the Lower Vancouver Island Retired Teachers Assoc. So sorry to hear of your loss.
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Phyllis Webster We are so sorry to hear that your dear mother has passed away. We did not meet her often but knew she was a very happy to be your mother! We knew your dad better because he was a member of the Victoria Humanists. We hope you will let us know if there is a memorial at some point so that we can celebrate her life. We know that she died well loved and no one could ask for more!
Phyllis and Barrie Webster
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Jose Perena Pratt Sending supportive hugs to Bill and John and Jaxon on the death of their mum and grandma. I have many good memories from “back in the day” of Douglas St.Baptist Young Peoples Group and other church related activities. I think I still have the bridesmaid dress I wore to Miriam and Ron’s wedding. In more recent years I enjoyed getting connected again over a few lunches out together. I am sure you have many more good memories to treasure. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you move through your grief.
2 years ago I asked the senior Aunts of the extended family if we could have a brunch at a restaurant recommended by Aunt Marilyn. On the day of the brunch my brother Steve and I collected Aunt Miriam and drove her to Cherry’s Bistro. What I remember best is Aunt Miriam’s chuckles of delight as she chatted with Uncle Ken, Aunt Marilyn & my parents Gina & Dave McGavin. Along with my sister Cheryl, brothers Steve & Gordon and cousin Sharon Tomlinson & Bob Bilko it was a delightful afternoon.