John Tombs

Kenneth “John” Tombs
October 20, 1929 – February 2, 2024

It is with deep sadness that the family of John Tombs announce his passing on Friday, February 2nd, at the Carleton Place Hospital, surrounded by loved ones, at the age of 94.

John was predeceased by the love of his life, wife Marg, his parents Les and Anne Tombs, siblings Barbara Montgomery (Donnie), Chuck Tombs (Arlie), brother-in-law Eric Robertson (Irene), sisters-in-law Lola Baker and Betty Connolly (Mike). He was the devoted and loving father to daughters Lynn Julian (Jacques Montpetit), Janice Creighton (Steve Hastie), and Lori Devlin (Jeff), and a cherished Pop to his grandchildren Jeff (Emilia), Becky (Brent), Derek (Sara), Kate, Sarah (Dennis), Pam (John), and his eight great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson, who will miss his life stories and the memories that he created and left behind for all to cherish. He will also be fondly remembered by Terry Julian, Mike Logan, Dan Creighton and many nieces and nephews.

Dad was raised in Carleton Place and after marrying Mom, moved to Ashton to live and help out at the farm of his mother and father-in-law (Bessie and Howard Robertson), and start raising a family. After spending many years in Ashton, they returned to Carleton Place where they remained, providing a loving, safe home for their family, and hosting many gatherings of family and friends over the years. Dad spent many years in the carpentry/painting field before joining the Upper Canada School Board as a head custodian, where he retired after 35 years of service. Dad was always the first to volunteer a helping hand to anyone and was honored to be a Life Member of the Legion, where he could always be found cleaning, painting, fundraising, and selling poppies and then gather for a Friday afternoon beer with his friends and fellow members. Dad loved to fish and hunt and was capable of producing one of the best vegetable gardens around! He took pride in helping his children and grandchildren with home maintenance, or building their homes, all while humming or whistling a tune in your ear. When you needed anything, Johnny was the man to call.

We will all miss his stories and the history that went with him and were fortunate to have had him in our lives with such a great memory and good health until the end. Dad made new friends and enjoyed the company of the other residents of Riverview Seniors Residence where he spent the last year of his life.

We would like to thank the kind staff at Riverview, the many PSW’s that assisted Dad and finally Dr. Buckley for the many years she cared for Dad and her kindness and compassion during his remaining days in hospital.

In lieu of flowers, please hug your loved ones or make a donation to the charity of your choice.

A graveside service will be held Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 11 am at United Cemeteries, Cemetery Sideroad, Carleton Place with a celebration of life to follow at the Captain A. Roy Brown, Legion Branch 192, 177 George Street, Carleton Place.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Tombs, please visit our floral store.