John F. Tomczak

September 10, 1918 - September 04, 2017

It is with profound sadness and deep respect that we announce the passing of John F. Tomczak, aged 98 who died peacefully, surrounded by his family, in the care of Victoria Hospice on September 4, 2017; just shy of his 99th birthday.

John was predeceased by his siblings; Marcel, Lloyd, Bob, Gloria, his mother Annie, his father Max, and his first wife Collette.

John is survived by his wife, of 26 years, Claire Holmes, his 5 children; Linda (Robin), Michael (Joan), Kim (Lisa), Tia (Robert), Kerry, his 8 grandchildren; Aron (Sheila), Owen, Laroux (Robbie), Carson (Amanda), Michelle (Noah), Devon (Kelly), Brant, Mackenzie (Marc)) and his 4 great grandchildren; Emmett, Gillian, Annabelle, Ophelia.

John was born on September 10, 1918 in Saskatoon prior to joining the Navy from 1940 - 1945, as a Leading Bandsman in the Original Naden Band. John spent his working life in Victoria with the BC Government, retiring in 1981. John's first wife Collette died in 1987 and largely due to the compassion she received at Victoria Hospice he became involved with Victoria Hospice in 1988 as a volunteer.

He married Claire in 1991 and they both remained very involved as volunteers with Victoria Hospice for the next 23 years. They were involved in founding the Hospice Bereavement Self Help Group which held weekly Saturday night meetings. He was made a life member of Victoria Hospice in 1997. He was also involved with the Independent Housing Society of Greater Victoria as President and a Board member. John had a special gift and a real passion for talking, and most importantly listening, to the Bereaved and in 2005, at the age of 87, he self-published a book on Bereavement titled Shared Knowledge. Dad also spoke at several conferences, across Canada, on topics related to Bereavement from 1997 - 2001.

Dad was also involved with UVic's Centre of Aging and was awarded the first annual Valued Elder Recognition Award (VERA) for Volunteerism in 2000.

Dad was a frequent participant of the Veterans Health Centre day program at Broadmead Lodge where he received excellent attention and care over the last couple of years. We would also like to thank the Caregivers at Home Instead, Beacon Services and Parkwood Court for their kind and considerate attention to dad's needs.

Finally, we wish to give special thanks and recognition to the members of the Palliative Care unit at Victoria Hospice, for the kindness, care and compassion given to Dad. Please consider a donation to Victoria Hospice in John's name in lieu of flowers.



https://www.victoriahospice.org/donate

There will be a mass for John and a Celebration of his Life at 11:00 AM on October 6, 2017 at Sacred Heart Church 4040 Nelthorpe Street Victoria, BC V8X 2A1.