Obituary of William Edward Tomlinson

William Edward Tomlinson, “Bill" passed away peacefully with his family by his side on November 12th, 2013 at the St Mary’s Hospital in Camrose at the age of 66 years, after a short battle with cancer. Bill was born in Castor Alberta on June 17th, 1947. He was the oldest of 5 children born to Roy and Daphne Tomlinson. Bill took his schooling in Halkirk from grades 1 to 9 and completed his high school in Stettler. Bill attended SAIT and achieved his Heavy Duty Mechanic Ticket. He then went on to work at the mine. Bill married his wife Peggy on May 22nd, 1971 and lovingly accepted Sandra and Cindy as his own. This spoke of his character as a kind and loving man. In April of 1972 their son Darren was born. Bill and Peggy moved to the Family Farm in 1972, where they started their farming adventure. In July of 1978 their daughter Heather was born. Bill and Peggy raised their family of four on the farm near Halkirk. They raised their children to understand good moral values, dedication, hard work and the importance of family. Bill loved playing cards, reading, curling, baseball, skating, skiing, hockey, golf and camping. He enjoyed any activity that would get him outdoors. Bill loved all kinds of animals. Some of his pastimes were team-roping, training his bird dogs, taking his kids on horse back rides (dad sometimes liked to surprise us on either birthdays or Christmas with a beautiful horse or mom with a dog of her own). Bill loved to hunt and fish from the time he was able to hold a fishing rod and could handle a gun. You probably would not be able to count the number of fish he caught throughout his lifetime. Admitted by son in law (Ken) who thinks he is the "favourite" son in law, Bill would average the biggest fish over a 7 day period. He enjoyed many years of hunting and fishing trips with his son Darren, sons in law Ken and Ryan and many friends. Bill and Peggy enjoyed many dine and dances, where Dad loved to be out on the dance floor kicking up his heels. After Bills farming years he then went to work at the County of Paintearth, where banter and practical jokes began between him and his long time friend Ed Manz (if you want some great stories Ed will be kicking around to fill you in). Bill then went to work at the Power Plant for the rest of his years to retirement. He then retired in 2009, so that he could become a full time fisherman. Bill and Peggy moved off the family farm in 1996 and resided on a beautiful acreage west of Forestburg where he could still putter in his garage, plant his garden, play with all his toys and gadgets, and enjoy the outdoors. Bill had a great zest for life, great pride, loyal to his family and friends, a true gentleman, and was loved by many young and old. His pranks, jokes and good deeds were remembered by all that knew him. The many things he loved in life he always wanted to share and was willing to teach to his children, grandchildren and anyone who shared the same interests. Bill was predeceased by his mother Daphne Tomlinson, his uncle and aunt, Athol and Norma Tomlinson, cousins Muriel Bowie (Tomlinson), Petra Tomlinson, mother and father in law Bob and Greta Rendall and brother in law Bob Rendall. He is survived by his wife of 42 years Peggy Tomlinson, his children Sandra (Ryan Blume), Cindy (Kenny Yakimowich), Darren, Heather (Shawn Webb); grandchildren Ashley, Tyler and Evan Blume, Sharla and Maegan Yakimowich and Sawyer and Brody Tomlinson; dad Roy Tomlinson, sisters Barbara (Ian Watson), Evelyn (Rick Hamilton), brothers Peter (Brenda)Tomlinson, Roy (Mona) Tomlinson; cousin Doug Tomlinson, sister in law Maureen Waade (Loren Duncan); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. His faithful friend Bear Paws a beautiful black lab and his side kick cat "baby cat." Memorial Donations may be made Forestburg Public Library or to the Camrose St. Mary's Hospital Palliative Care Unit. Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium 403-882-3141 403-742-3422