John Tompkins Obituary
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Born in Detroit to Charles and Jean Tompkins, John graduated from Grosse Pointe South High School in 1970 and Western Michigan University in 1974. It was at Western Michigan that he met his wife, Colleen, with whom he shared forty-two wonderful years of marriage. During his years at WMU, he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, where he served as president during his senior year. After graduation, John joined one of the family businesses, Tompkins Printing Equipment, where he spent his entire career, eventually becoming the owner and president.
An avid sailor, John was a member of and raced out of Bayview Yacht Club, competing in many Lake St Clair regattas as well as over 30 Bayview to Mackinac races and several Chicago to Mackinac races. Later, John retired from sailboat racing and transitioned to power boating at the Detroit Yacht Club, where he and his family enjoyed living aboard their boat during the summer months. He was a life-active member of the DYC, attending all his children's swim meets at which John was known to be the loudest parent cheerleader of the team. Over the years he held every elected position at DYC and finally served as Commodore in 2021. John also enjoyed snow skiing in the winter and playing in the Bayview Yacht Club golf league.
John is survived by his wife Colleen, his children Courtney (David) and Jeffrey (Allison), and his cherished grandchildren Mackenzie, Zoey, Weston, Finn, Evelyn, and Elliott. He also leaves behind his siblings Margo (William), Charles (Brooke), Joseph (Susan), and James (Amanda), as well as many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at a yet to be determined date to honor John's life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Detroit Yacht Club Foundation, dycfoundation.com
Share memories of John with his family at Verheyden.org
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16300 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230
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