Obituary of John David TOMLINSON

March 30, 1941 – Nottingham, England
January 26, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

John David Tomlinson, beloved husband of Darleen Tomlinson (nee Guy) of Calgary, Alberta, passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at the age of 79 years from complications related to lung cancer.

John was born in Nottingham, England to Percy and Kathleen Tomlinson on March 30, 1941. Along with his sister Hazel, he and his parents moved frequently in his early years, living in Trinidad, Rio de Janeiro, Whitehorse and Montreal but eventually settling in Calgary by his mid-teens. John attended Western Canada High School where he met the love of his life, Darleen Guy. They were married in 1962 and started a family a few years later having two daughters, Dawn and Dayle.

John started working at Eaton’s Contract Division in the early 1970’s as a Sales Associate, eventually moving to Jordan’s Commercial Flooring as Contract Manager. Later in his career, John started his own company, Tomlinson Fine Flooring Inc. where he continued to specialize in providing quality commercial and residential flooring products and installation. John was well known within the flooring industry both locally and abroad and was recognized by his employers and industry partners a number of times during his career.

John had numerous and varied interests throughout his life and for those that knew him well, even more stories. He had a passion for sailing, fly-fishing and fly-tying, hot rods and antique cars; as well as woodworking, mechanics, aircraft of all kinds, and camping. He cherished the annual salmon fishing trip to Babine every fall and had a general love for water and the outdoors. His favourite place in the world was his spot at the Lakeshore Resort and Campground at Lake Windermere where he and the family spent time over the summers for the last forty years. He could always be found outside working on a project, helping out a neighbour, hanging out at the fire, or fishing on the lake and he truly loved the time that he spent there. 

As a devoted husband, father and grandfather, his greatest accomplishments revolved around his family and he played a big role in guiding and supporting his children and grandchildren over the years. He was well known for always being willing to help and he used his knowledge, experience, and practical know-how to benefit many people that came into his life.

John is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Darleen, his daughter Dayle Armstrong; his grandchildren, Matthew Collings, Dalton Armstrong, Paige Collings and Darby Armstrong as well as his son-in-law, Darcy Collings, all of Calgary. He was predeceased by his father, mother and sister and recently by his daughter, Dawn Collings.

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on John’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Provincial Office, Sun Life Place, 710, 10123 – 99th Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1 Telephone: 1(866) 412-4222. 

In living memory of John Tomlinson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.