Obituary of Kenneth Tomlinson

B I O G R A P H Y TOMLINSON: Kenneth Gordon Tomlinson passed away at home on Thursday, September 21, 2006 at the age of 82 years. Ken is survived by: his loving wife Fay of Mervin; one sister Olive Hewitt; two aunts: Millie Dell of Edam and Laura Williamson of Swan River, Manitoba; one cousin Lawrence and his wife Madge Severson of Edam as well as numerous other family and friends. The funeral service for Ken was conducted from the Mervin United Church, Mervin, Saskatchewan on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Canon Don Skinner officiating. Special music was sung and played by Marg Uhlig and Don Skinner. Hymns sung were “Nearer My God To Thee,” and “Abide With Me,” accompanied on the organ by Noreen Williamson. Active pallbearers were: Keith Simkins, John Tesch, Adolph Tesch, Henry deGraaf, Glen Chambers and Stewart McMurphy. Interment followed in the Mervin Cemetery. Ken was born at Edam on August 15, 1924, and was named Kenneth Gordon Tomlinson. The family farm was 9 miles west of Edam. Ken took his schooling at Poplar Dell and began farming his own land near Edam as well. When he was young he like to hunt and fish. He also played hard ball with the Edam team, and later, when he moved up here he played ball with the Mervin team. His move to Mervin area was prompted by his marriage to Fay Knisley. They were wed on July 1, 1962, at 3rd Ave. United Church in North Battleford. Together they farmed the land that Fay's father had homesteaded in 1905. In 2001 Ken "retired" from farming, but up until 2003 he still farmed 40 acres because he wanted to keep his hand in it. It was just this past summer that Ken and Fay had their farm sale.Ken loved to play cards and there's memories of the card parties at Mervin, Turtleford and Livelong. Folks would play for a few hours and then enjoy visiting over tea and coffee. Fay reports that he never had anything bad to say about anyone. Ken also just loved to watch the sports on TV, hockey most especially, but also football, and anything else, whether it be national or international. Many of you will remember Ken driving on his quad, out to shoot some gophers, a pastime (and a farm service) that he loved. His original quad was sold at the farm sale, but Fay immediately encouraged Ken to get a new one, which he did. Ken was a "happy-go-lucky" fellow, jolly in character and kind-hearted. True companions, Ken and Fay did most everything together. In the fall it would be Ken doing the harvesting, and Fay driving the grain truck. I, for one, really appreciate this history of togetherness that was theirs. And for being the way Ken was in this and in other things, we give God thanks. Ken was pre-deceased by his parents: Edward in 1949 and Ethel in 1994; and also by his brothers: Don in 1986, and Keith in 2003. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster and Turtleford administered the funeral arrangements.Card of Thanks We would like to thank Reverend Don Skinner, Noreen Williamson and Marg Uhlig for the beautiful service and to the pallbearers for helping us honor Ken. Thank you to the Mervin AUCW ladies for the lovely lunch. Thank you to everyone who sent cards, flowers, and made donations in Ken’s memory your thoughts and prayers will never be forgotten. A special thank you to Keith and Doreen Simkins for all their help and support during this difficult time. Donations in memory of Ken may be made to the Mervin United Church.