Peter Brook Tomlinson

It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Peter Brook Tomlinson. Peter passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on August 16, 2023, at the age of 75. Peter was born in Vancouver, B.C. on February 4, 1948. He was predeceased by parents Brook and Ethel Tomlinson and sisters Janie and Julie.

Peter will be sadly missed by his wife Lorna, son Marcus, daughter Sarah, brother Pat (Mary) and half-sister Sandra Borg. Also bothers-in-law Glen (Heather) Leslie and Peter (Aliel) Leslie and sister-in-law Lorraine (Dave) Nicol and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

When Peter was 4 years old and his brother Patrick was just 4 months old, his father abandoned the family. After this happened his mother moved Peter and Patrick from Vancouver to Maple Ridge where she supported the family teaching high school. Peter had been named Kenneth by his parents, but he changed his name to Peter after his father left.

After high school Peter went to Simon Fraser University and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology. Peter met his wife Lorna at SFU in their second year and they enjoyed 54 years together. Peter went on to the University of BC to earn his master’s degree in health care planning & epidemiology. He finally earned a degree as a Chartered Professional Accountant when the children were still young. With his CPA designation Peter started working at Burtek Systems in Burnaby where he was employed in a senior role until retirement in 2008.

Peter embraced fatherhood with a passion when Marcus and Sarah were born. Family was the most important thing in his life. We always had dinner together as a family even on the day he died. Peter looked forward to family vacations. We went as a family to Europe, during the Gulf war, for 5 weeks of camping, to eastern Canada and eastern United States, Mexico, and Disneyland plus many camping trips over the years. We also were a skiing family and had a condo at Big White Ski Resort for 25 years. We have many wonderful memories of friends and family coming to Big White.

Peter enjoyed life and treated every day as though it was his last. This may have been because of his incurable cancer diagnosis nine years ago (in remission). Peter’s walks would take twice as long as anyone else’s because he had to stop and talk to everyone. He loved gardening, fishing, hunting, genealogy, stamp collecting, music, piano, skiing, fitness and travelling. He was an excellent cook really enjoyed food. Peter looked forward to his weekly meet up at McDonalds with the Apple Dumpling Gang (Bill and Gary).

After retirement, and the kids were older, Peter travelled with Lorna to many parts of the world. It was always travelling on land as Peter wanted to immerse himself in the history and culture of the countries. Some places visited are England, Scotland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Russia, most of western Europe, Morocco, Australia, China, the USA and several countries in South America. This year the plan was to go to Egypt in November.

Peter was very involved with several communities and groups. He was active in scouting for nearly 40 years. He earned his Queen’s Scout as a youth and then became a scout and venturer leader for both Marcus and Sarah. He mentored both to earn their Chief Scout Awards. He went on to become district commissioner in Coquitlam and currently was a member of the Guild (retired scouters).

The family cabin at Missezula Lake, since 2005, is where Peter was well known as a year-round fisherman including ice fishing in the winter. He thrilled when he was able to buy a fishing boat. In recent years he was an active member of the Fire Smart Committee. He really enjoyed the sense of community at Missezula and got to know people. He had many adventures with brother Pat, who also has a cabin there. They had many great times and memories during hunting season.

Peter and Lorna also have a strata hotel unit at the Whistler Village Inn & Suites. Peter was very involved in the Strata Council for the hotel. Most recently he was in the position of Owner’s Representative but had also been Treasurer and the liaison for the building restoration project spanning several years. He had a long and close relationship with many owners.

The memorial service is at Ocean View Funeral Home https://www.dignitymemorial.com/ at 4000 Imperial Street Burnaby B.C. on Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

If you are unable to attend the memorial service, Ocean View will webcast the ceremony live or on replay at https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/78993. The ceremony is protected with the following Password: 364401010795

The reception is also at Ocean View Funeral Home on Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. During the reception there will be food and refreshments, a slideshow and a microphone for people to say a few words or share a story. We request that you RSVP the number of people attending the reception so that we can let the caterers know. Please send the RSVP to bopper767@gmail.com

If you choose to attend the graveside service it is at Mountain View Cemetery at 5455 Fraser Street Vancouver B.C. There will be a short ceremony at 12:00 noon followed by lowering of the casket into the ground. If you want to join the funeral procession, we are meeting at Ocean View at 11:15 a.m. to follow the hearse to Mountain View cemetery for the 12:00 noon graveside service. The location in the cemetery is Jones Section, Block 6, Plot 9, Lot 5. This plot has Peter's great-great grandfather, Robert McDowell (1911) and great-great grandmother, Maria McDowell (1928). Peter's mother's maiden name was McDowell.

We welcome you to post condolences or stories directly on the Ocean View

website https://www.dignitymemorial.com/. You can send photos and/or stories to bopper767@gmail.com . Condolences can be sent to www.oceanviewfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the B.C. Cancer Society or to your local food bank.