TONKIN, Frederick William

Published:Jan 08, 2013

Event Date:Dec 31, 2012

Classified Type: Obituaries & Death Notices

Location: Guelph

Frederick William TONKIN

TONKIN, Frederick William BA, Med Frederick William Tonkin, 89, of Guelph, Ontario, passed away at home on Monday, December 31, 2012. Born September 12, 1923 in Falmouth, Cornwall, England, he was a decorated WWII Royal British Navy D-Day Veteran who served aboard the HMS Whimbrel. Frederick will be greatly missed by his wife Inger, daughter Marita Tonkin of Hamilton, son Mark Tonkin (Sharon Pass) of Rockwood, Ontario, two grandchildren: Connor and Cassidy Tonkin and their mother Michele Tonkin of Acton. He will also be missed by nieces and nephews and their families in Finland and England and "adopted" family in Guelph. Frederick was predeceased by his parents Eliza and William Tonkin, brother Ronald Tonkin and his sister Phyllis Jackett. Frederick was a Chartered Engineer, Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineers and a member of the Canadian Institute of Marine Engineers. He graduated from Althouse College of Education with teaching certification and taught at College Heights Secondary School (Guelph) as well as John F. Ross C.V.I. (Guelph) retiring in 1985. He received his Bachelor of Arts in 1975 from University of Guelph and his Master of Education in 1977 from University of Toronto. An avid card shark, he reigned supreme against all challengers and is the undefeated family champion. His sense of humour, generosity, love of learning, and story telling will be missed by many friends and family. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at the Guelph Salvation Army, 1320 Gordon Street, Guelph, Ontario. A celebration of Frederick's life will follow at 7 p.m. If desired, donations in Fred's memory can be made to the Salvation Army or Guelph Humane Society. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL , 519-822-0051. Online condolences and memories can be shared at www.wallcustance.com. A tree will be planted in memory of Frederick W. Tonkin in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest, University of Guelph Arboretum. Dedication service, Sunday, September 15, 2013 at 2:30 pm.