Tomchick,
Robert Ernest
December 31, 1928 – December 11, 2008
On Thursday, December 11, Bob passed away after battling a lengthy illness. He leaves to mourn his loving wife Joan, his children, Lori, Wayne, Nancy and John, his 5 grandchildren and 2 great grand children.
Bob was born in South Porcupine, Ontario. He grew up in neighbouring Timmins, Ontario, with his parents, Mary and Albert Tomchick and 5 siblings, Grace, Don, Lawrence, Sheryl and Sharon.
As a young boy, Bob developed a keen enthusiasm for flying airplanes. He began flying at a very young age and was able to fulfill his dream of becoming a pilot. Bob was always able to regale his family and friends with many hair raising and “fly-by-the-seat-of-your pants” stories of northern Ontario adventures flying Piper Cubs and Fleet Canucks. As a young man, Bob joined the RCAF where he had a very long and satisfying career flying many different types of aircraft. In 1970, when Bob and his family moved to Edmonton, he was the ACO (Air) Edmonton where he was very involved assisting to set up Camp Wright near Athabasca. He was also involved in the air cadet gliding program. He continued to be involved with the air cadets and with the gliding program as a tow pilot for years after he retired.
Joan and Bob moved to Parksville in 1994 to retire where Bob continued to fly and for some time was a member of the Qualicum Flying Club. He was also an active and contributing member of the United Services Institute of Nanaimo (USI). Bob also especially enjoyed golfing, PROBUS, Tuesday morning Philosophy group meetings and weekly coffee with his good friends at A & W.
Joan and Bob’s children would like to thank the staff at the Standford Care Campus for all the wonderful support and care Bob received. Family and friends will gather at a later date to honour Bob.