Obituary of Bernard James Tompkins

Bernard James Tompkins passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 10th at Peter Lougheed Hospital in Calgary with his daughter Colleen at his side, and his wife Gladys and their children joined later for prayers. He was born on December 20th, 1919 at Margaree Forks, Cape Breton, NS. Bernard worked in the coalmines for ten years in New Waterford, NS., where he also served in the Royal Canadian Army for 10 years. He worked at the Ford Motor plant in Oakville, ON for 10 years, and Tompkins Brothers Cleaning Service for many years with his brother, Chris. Bernard was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree, in Hamilton, ON. for 40 years. He will be sadly missed by all who were blessed to have had him in their lives. Besides his loving wife of eight year, Gladys, he will be remembered as a very loving father by his children Thelma, Michael, Fabian, Miles, Virginia, Joanne, Maureen, Colleen, Richard, Gerard, Carmel; and stepchildren Jim, Don, Randy, Lori and Craig; and loving brother of Chris & Margaret Kulchyckyj. Bernard was also grandfather of 21 grandchildren, great-grandfather of 20 grandchildren, loving uncle of many nieces, nephews and cousins, and a dear friend to many. He was predeceased by his wife of 55 years (1919-1994), Johanna Monica Sullivan Tompkins; son Sonny Francis (1955-1991); brothers Richard, Patrick and Laffin; and his parents Virginia (Doyle) in 1962 and Michael Laffin in1973, of Margaree Forks, NS. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mark’s Catholic Church (5552 Madigan Drive N.E.) on Tuesday, January 15, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. Bernard will lay to rest next to his late wife Johanna at the Catholic Cemetery on Rymal Road in Hamilton, ON. A second memorial service will take place on Saturday, January 19th at St. Charles Garnier Church (Hamilton, ON). If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: (403) 521-3433. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Bernie Tompkins a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Eastside Memorial Chapel, 5388 MEMORIAL DRIVE N.E. Telephone: (403) 248-8585.