Reginald Frank Tomalin

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Reginald (Reg) Frank Tomalin.  Reg was born in the RM of Portage la Prairie on February 3, 1931, son of Arthur and Sarah Tomalin. He was predeceased by his wife Donna Fitzsimmons Tomalin and daughter Beverly Dianne Owens. 

Predeceased by: brother George and June, brother Gerald and Renie, sister Irene Kitchen and brother–in-law Tom Marsh. Also son-in-law Burt Owens.

Left to cherish his memory are his grandson Chris Owens, granddaughter-in-law Paula Mellen, great–granddaughter Chelsea Owens, sister Marj Marsh, brother-in-law Bob Kitchen, sister-in-law Wendy Christanson, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.

Reg attended Euclid School and Portage Collegiate.  He left home at the age of 12 and went to live with his aunt and uncle, Harriet and Alec Finnie to work on their farm.  For several of those winters, Reg went up north to help move the town of Sheridan to Lynn Lake. 

Reg married Donna Fitzsimmons on July 19, 1952.  Their beloved daughter, Bev was born on July 24, 1953. 

Reg worked at MacDonald Airport in construction engineering until the base closed.  He then decided to form his own construction company, Reg Tomalin Construction and lumberyard, H&R Lumber.  He joined forces with Larry Chester until his retirement. 

In his retirement he was able to dedicate more time to the sports he loved from his youth.  Reg played ball with the Oakland Oaks and curled at the Oakland Rink.  As an adult he held many positions on boards and committees and was a participant and spectator of many sports.  He is a lifetime member and Past-President of The Portage Curling Club as well as The Portage Golf Club.   He was President of the Portage Minor Hockey Association as well as the Westend Community Club.  Reg fully enjoyed watching a variety sports on TV.

Reg, Donna and Snoopy loved to travel.  The three of them had travelled 10-11 years down to Florida and all the way between Key West and Fairbanks, Alaska. 

Reg was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather to Bev, Chris and Chelsea.  He enjoyed following their activities and adventures and family gatherings were important to him.

Reg’s service is scheduled for 3:00pm on Thursday, May 16th at the First Presbyterian Church, 17 Royal Road South, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.  A private family interment will take place before the service.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish donations can be made in Reg’s memory to Sunset Palliative Care Incorporated, Box 92, Portage la Prairie, MB., R1N 3A7, or a charity of your choice.

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