Gregory Ross Tomlinson
November 7, 1937 - March 23, 2023
Funeral Details: A celebration of his life will be held at Thursday, March 30, 2023 1:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 93 Berczy Street, Barrie, refreshments following.
Gregory Ross Tomlinson of Barrie, passed away Wednesday, March 23, 2023 at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, following two strokes.
Greg was born November 7, 1937, in Barrie, Ontario to Herman Leonard and Clara Mae (Dodd) Tomlinson. An apprentice printer from the age of 14, he attended Barrie Central Collegiate where he met the love of his life, Mary Anne Crooks, whom he married in 1957.
Music was important in Greg's life. He sang in the Glee Club at Central where he also sang in The Mikado in 1956, various church choirs, Three Lads and a Dad (he was the dad), the King Edward Choir, and in a barbershop group. He also played various instruments.
Greg played hockey, including being a member of the Barrie Flyers Bantam team, winners of the 1951 OMHA Bantam A championship and of the Barrie Flyers Juvenile team, winners of the 1955 Minor A championship. Later in life he and Mary Anne were avid curlers and lawn bowlers.
Greg is predeceased by his wife, Mary Anne Tomlinson and infant son Steven. He is survived by his children Nancy James (Jerry) and Trudee Romanek (Rob), grandchildren Graham Romanek, Brina Romanek (Dan McArdle), Scott Romanek, step-grandchildren John James (Nicole), Jason James and great grand-children Desiree James and Shaelynn James, as well as several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honour to the Barrie Native Friendship Centre www.barrienfc.ca donate or Hospice Simcoe www.hospicesimcoe.ca or a charity of your choice.
Eric Wigg
Posted on: Saturday, March 25, 2023So sorry to hear of Greg’s passing. We got to know each other when attending the First Baptist Church, Barrie. We did a lot of things together when we were kids. I lost touch with him when I moved to the USA after college. My condolences to Greg’s sisters, Joanne and Vickie and to his brother John.
Nancy James
Posted on: Saturday, March 25, 2023Eric, we are thrilled to hear from you. Trudee and I grew up hearing stories of your shenanigans with our Dad. He never forgot you either. Thank you for signing his wall.
Trudee Romanek
Posted on: Sunday, March 26, 2023Oh my goodness! It’s so very lovely to hear from you, Eric! My sister, Nancy, and I grew up hearing stories of the antics you and our dad got up to. I believe there was one in particular about eating a raisin pie in the baptistery? We will be sure to pass your condolences along to Joanne (in Barrie) and Vickie (on Vancouver Island). And I would dearly love to connect with you to hear how you are and to hear any memories you have. Perhaps we could share some of these at his celebration this Thursday. And I apologize if this message repeats everything Nancy has replied to you. You are a sort of “mythic giant” in our minds and we’re both thrilled that you left a comment. Much love and thanks, Trudee
Nelma Wigg Merlau
Posted on: Sunday, March 26, 2023To Joanne, Vickie and Greg’s family: Sending sincere sympathy on hearing the news about Greg. What a lovely picture it is of him.
I appreciated reading the comments to my brother Eric from Nancy and Trudee.
Brenda Callaghan
Posted on: Sunday, March 26, 2023Dear Nancy and Trudee,
We are so sorry to hear of your father’s passing and hope that his final days were peaceful and pain free. You must be taking comfort in knowing that your mom and dad are back together and your families now have two guardian angels to watch over them.
Sending our love and sympathy,
Brenda and Ron
Mair and Denny Greaves
Posted on: Wednesday, March 29, 2023Trudee and Nancy and all your family; Joanne sent the news of Greg’s death, and we have messaged you during these last few days. Greg and Mary Anne were such close friends for many years. There were such precious times and events at First Baptist in Barrie, in Young Adults and Choir days. Time and circumstances seem to change us all. We offer our love and sympathy as you now close this chapter of your lives. May God’s love and grace sustain you and give you strength and courage for all that lies ahead.
Love, Mair and Denny
Trudee Romanek
Posted on: Wednesday, March 29, 2023Thank you both for your continued support and kindness. I certainly have many fond memories of those days — junior choir, youth group, birthday parties, the making of Denny’s cardamom bread. How lucky are we to have been in each others lives. Sending blessings and love, Trudee
Janet Kinsey
Posted on: Sunday, April 2, 2023Trudee I was so sorry to read of your dad’s passing. He was a nice man and I enjoyed my interactions with him over the years, especially during our Motherload days. Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and the family as you journey through this difficult time of loss. Take good care, my friend. xo