Ronald was born June 8th 1934, finished his life journey on March 15, 2020. Ron was the son of Reginald and Gladys Tomlinson, he is survived by his wife Miriam, two sons William and John, grandson Jaxon, brother Ken and sister Gina McGavin.
As an adventurous young man, he enjoyed riding motorcycles, alone or with his friends. Ron loved exploring his family history, classical music, collecting Cadillac cars and meeting people.
Having graduated from high school in 1952 his first full time job was working for the CPR in the engine room on the Princess Kathleen, a job that ended when the ship sank, with Ron being on the last watch.
An elementary school teacher, he particularly enjoyed science classes. While a student at UVic, he worked as a bus driver for what is now BC Transit. Upon retiring as a teacher, he returned to driving buses, enjoying the opportunity to interact with his passengers and provide local colour when driving tourists.
While working as a desk clerk at the Empress Hotel, he met Miriam, his future wife and mother of their two sons William and John.
In his later years he became quite active with Victoria Secular Humanist Association.
He will be missed and long remembered by those who knew him and loved him.
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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James Mohr
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Thorston Walden Henrich RON CONTRIBUTED GREATLY TO THE SECULAR HUMANIST MOVEMENT, ATTENDING TALKS, CARRYING THE VSHA BANNER ON HIS OPEN-TOPPED CAR ON VICTORIA DAY PARADES, STOPPING PRAYERS AT RETIRED TEACHERS’ LUNCHEONS, CORRESPONDING WITH OTHERS
IN ONTARIO, AND IMPORTANTLY FOR ME, INTRODUCING ME TO HUMANISM, FOR WHICH I AM
MOST GRATEFUL. HE WAS A FINE MAN, CANTANKEROUS AT TIMES, BUT EAGER TO SEE THAT
RELIGIONS OF WHATEVER STRIPE AND GOVERNMENT WERE KEPT SEPARATE. HIS PRESENCE WILL BE MISSED. HE SURPRISED HIMSELF BY OUTLIVING HIS 5-YEAR DIAGNOSIS
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kathy kaye I just heard about Mr. Tomlinson’s passing, i was lucky enough to see him the first week of march with my sister, we talked about george Jay elementary, and enjoyed lots of stories, Glad we had our visit, first time since elementary. A teacher I will always remember, thanks Mr. Tomlinson for all the good memories
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bill longman Dear Miriam and family,
It’s hard to find comforting words at a sad time like this. Your husband and father was my cousin, as a child in the 50’s my sister Margo and I spent our summers visiting our extended Victoria families. Ron was such a ‘Character’, Aunt Gladys would say, ‘Children it’s impolite to crack your crackers into your soup!’ Ron with a big wry smile and pick up a handful of crackers repeating his Moms advice to us as he of course crunched them into his soup. I can still feel the vibration of his motorcycle, the way he loved to excite the dogs, Lady & Don. As time marches on I lost contact with the Tomlinson’s, but I’ll never forget those summer and there hospitality. All the Best Miriam, Georgina, Ken and all your family. Bill
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Wendy Wilkins To the Tomlinson family and Ron’s friends and extended family;
Im so sorry to hear the news of Rons passing. My sincerest sympathies to you all! I remember him at Gladys’s many family gatherings and my mom talking to him until her passing then I ended up conversing with him on occasion. He was my moms cousin. He was such a lovely, smart, jovial man. Having just lost my brother in November and eventually postponing his funeral until an undetermined time I certainly totally understand the immense grief along with the frustration at this time. Just know he will be fondly remembered and sorely missed. Leaving on a high note, I always got a kick out of his special digital photos that he would self impose Muriam and him in, priceless!
Please take care,
Wendy Wilkins
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Sheila South Miriam and family,
I Was so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing, Miriam. We have missed s eeing you at our lunches the last several years. We do still get together and enjoy catching up. Perhaps we can arrange something in a few months. I am thinking of you these days. Take care,
Love, Sheila.
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Diane Crowther Dear Miriam and family,
I am so sorry to read of Ron’s recent passing. I feel blessed with having such wonderful memories of your family as friends with Staleys and with my parents, Guy & Maggie Crowther. I remember Gladys and Rex at their home on the corner of Haultain, along with being flower girl at Georgina’s wedding when I was 4 years old. Ron often dropped by my Mom & Dad’s on West Saanich Road to just chat, or listen to me play the piano, or to record my playing on his tape recorder, in those days a large reel-to-reel variety! I carry these good memories with me, and want you to know that you are in my thoughts at this difficult time.
With love and in sympathy,
Diane
He was my 4th grade teacher at Craigflower Elementary School MANY years ago. He explained government in a way I could understand and helped raise my (unbiased at the time) political awareness at a youngster.
He bored us to death with his seemingly neverending slideshows but entertained us with his charm and wit. Plus he always had those cool cars! What I wouldn’t give to drive one, or at the very least, have another opportunity to chat with him as a grown up. I would tell him that he was my favourite teacher of all time.
Rest in peace Mr. T