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John Tompkins Obituary

John A. Tompkins Sped to The Lord on Sunday afternoon, January 8th, while surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren and sons-in-law, Howard Appell and Thor Dyson. All present marveled at the blessed nature of John's transition from this life to the next as hands were laid upon him, prayers were offered and songs were ardently sung. Left behind for now are John's wife of 63 years, Ann Owens Tompkins and seven children, Joanne Tompkins Hale, Kathy Tompkins Appell, John Michael Tompkins, David Anthony Tompkins, Rev. Terrence Peter Tompkins, Helen Tompkins and Julie Tompkins Dyson. Also adjusting to an earthly existence without John are his 11 grandchildren, Brendon, Jennifer, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Sian, Heather, Allison, John Patrick, Christalene, Beau and Kiera, and five great grandchildren. John was born in Spokane, WA but came to the Golden State where he celebrated his fourth birthday and stayed on to the great satisfaction and delight of all who met him! He was a vibrant member of his Catholic parish, Corpus Christi for over 53 years serving as Lector, Eucharistic Minister, CYO coach and St. Vincent de Paul Conference Member. He was an active member of the Oakland Serra Club serving as past president and district governor as well as Knights of Columbus. John also found time to serve as a Prolife Crisis Counselor at Birthright. John was in the Naval Reserves and called to active duty immediately when America entered World War II. As a lieutenant he saw action in the South Pacific, was badly injured but recovered fully. John graduated from Oakland High School and U.C. Berkeley and then received his J.D. from USF Law School. His first career was as an accountant and his second career was as a law professor at S.F. City College. He also enjoyed teaching accounting at the city jail in San Bruno, retiring for the second time at the age of 78. He was justifiably proud of his Irish ancestry and is now enjoying his newly acquired citizenship in Heaven. The services are as follows: Wed., Jan. 11th, 6 PM, Visitation at Corpus Christi Church in Piedmont, followed by a Vigil Liturgy at 7 PM. Thursday, Jan. 12th, 11 AM, Funeral Mass at Corpus Christi Church in Piedmont, followed by a graveside service at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward. The family encourages donations to: Mercy Retirement and Care Center, 3431 Foothill Blvd., Oakland, 94601 or Casa Vincentia, a ministry that support mothers-to-be, 3210 62nd Ave., Oakland, 94605.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Jan. 10, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for John Tompkins

Not sure what to say?





Carey Girvan

January 18, 2006

I am so sorry to hear about John. I have great memories of being at the Tomkins house when I was younger at family parties. My best to the family.

January 18, 2006

Terry:



I was saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.



Dennis Egan

O'Dowd Class of 1970

CHRISTINA BECK

January 16, 2006

IT SEEMS LIKE IT WAS JUST YESTERDAY WHEN I OPENED MY HEART AND WELCOMED JOHN INTO MY LIFE...THE TIME THAT WE SPENT WHEN I USED TO TAKE CARE OF HIM WAS EXCELLENT HE ALWAYS KEPT ME LAUGHING AND SMILING AND EVEN AFTER HE MOVED TO A DIFFERENT FACILLITY I STILL FELT HIS PRESENCE AROUND ME . I WILL MISS HIM DEARLY AND I'LL NEVER FORGET WHEN I WOULD GO IN AND SAY GOOD MORNING TO HIM HE WOULD ALWAYS SAY "WHO'S ON FIRST?" OR WHEN I WOULD BE TAKING HIM OUT FOR A STROLL AND HE WOULD SAY "HERE WE GO ALL THE WAY DOWN MARKET AND OUT TO THE BEACH".......WOW WHAT AN AMAZING GUY WELL I'D BETTER GO BUT TO ANN....FATHER TERRY AND THE REST I REALLY LOVE YOU AND I WILL KEEP YOU IN MY THOUGHT'S AND TO "PAPA JOHN" I WILL ALWAYS HOLD YOU NEAR AND I WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE SAME SWEET GIRL U MET THERE IN 2004 I LOVE YOU SOOOO MUCH LOVE ALWAYS YOUR GIRL CHRISTINA...FROM LAKESIDE

Garrett Michael Girvan

January 13, 2006

I agree that my Uncle John will be greatly missed. His wit, humor, and genuine smile are what I remember and cherish the most about him. Come on, the guy could light up a room with that smile. I believe that we will cross paths again and this brings me great hope in this difficult season. I can only imagine the reunion that John is encountering as he has gone home to be with the Lord and loved ones! The apostle Paul said it well, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" Phil 1:21.

Thank you Jesus for my Uncle John and the legacy You have left through him. Amen and Amen.

Monica Girvan

January 11, 2006

Ann and Tompkins family - My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I have many funny and wonderful memories of John.

Betty & Steve Poston

January 11, 2006

Dear Anne & Family,



How saddened we were to hear of John's passing. What a wonderful life he had and what a terrific man he was. We have so many fond memories of sitting at your dinner table or Paula and Garrett's or mine laughing and rejoicing in each others company. The jokes, the stories, the wine!! The world is a better place for John having lived in it. Our sympathy to you and your wonderful family, he will be sorely missed.



Love,

Betty & Steve

Gary Ritzman

January 11, 2006

Dear Ann and Family, My bother Dick forwarded the news about John to us. I was speaking with Eva Curotto only last week tracking Jeannie Schaefer down for our planned 50th reunion of Our Lady of Lourdes class of 1956. I asked Eva about the Tomkins and she told me John was at Mercy which is the same outstanding place where my mom's sister was. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and freinds as John smiles down upon us. Gary and Patty Ritzman

Cathy and Garrett Girvan

January 11, 2006

We too miss John already. He was a delightful man with a huge heart. We will miss his laughter too.

We send lots of love to all of his beautiful family.

Pat & Joe Heim

January 10, 2006

Ann and Father Terry,

We were saddened to hear of John's passing, but at the same time we rejoiced that he had joined our Heavenly Father and was probably already cracking the jokes we all loved to hear. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Brian Fiore

January 10, 2006

God bless my Uncle (Pancho) John. A kind and wonderful man who loved a lonely child.

Cisco

C. Dianne Manning

January 10, 2006

I know that John is in a better place and how wonderful that he took this final journey surrounded by all his loved ones. Our thoughts are with Ann and Terry and all the children and grandchildren.

Barbara Pinto-Choate

January 10, 2006

Our prayers and love are with you.

Barbara, Jeff, and Christopher

Sr. Marian Rose Power,rsm

January 10, 2006

Prayers and love for a wonderful friend of Mercy. Prayers for all the family I know there is a great reunion in heaven,especially with Catherine!

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