TONKIN, John – On November 10, 2018, Richard ‘John’ Tonkin. Beloved Husband for 69 eventful years to Valerie. Loving Father of Pam Scott (Tony) of London, Chris Tonkin (Rosemary) of Cochrane, Alberta and Allen Tonkin (Jade) of Port Moody, BC. Special Grandfather to Megan, Gareth (Chantelle), Mike (Brianna) and Dylan. Great-grandfather of Reece and Rylee of Calgary, Alberta.
John, Valerie and family emigrated to Canada from Wales in 1965. Although he loved his new life in Canada, there was always a special place in his heart for Wales. An avid rugby player in his youth, he continued to participate as a referee in Ontario.
A WWII veteran, serving in the 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders, Remembrance Day was all important to him and he was able to parade until 2017 when he was 90. Past Worshipful Master of Tuscan Lodge No 195, his relationship with the Masonic Lodge was an important part of his life.
A memorial service will be conducted at St. John the Divine Anglican Church, Arva on Thursday, November 15 at 1:30 pm, with visitation preceding from 1-1:30 pm. A Masonic Memorial Service under the auspices of the Tuscan Lodge No 195 AF & AM will be held in the church on Thursday at 12:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to St. Joseph’s Hospice or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.