David James Tomkins (1 Jul 1953 - 19 Oct 2021)

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David JamesRoyal Signals Charity

£230.00 + Gift Aid of £50.00
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Funeral Director

Location
Stonefall Crematorium Wetherby Road Harrogate HG3 1DE
Date
14th Dec 2021
Time
1pm
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In loving memory of David James Tomkins who sadly passed away on 19th October 2021.

David is survived by his daughter, Natalie and myself, his son, Simon. Dad was a divorcee having previously been married to our mum, Stephanie Tomkins, for 27 years.

There are also his three sisters, Pat, Jean & Kathy, two brothers, Paul & Stephen, and three grandchildren Ben, Zoe & Roxie.

Natalie and myself can only thank our dad and mum for the many happy years we enjoyed together as a family.

David was born in Newcastle-under-Lyme on 1st July 1953 and lived in the family home in Bradwell until the age of 15. It was at this age when dad joined the Army.

Dad served 24 years and 181 days in the Army as a Royal Corp of Signals Engineer from 1st Jan 1969 to 30th June 1993. During his services he would have been with the following squadrons/ regiments;

1969-72 Army Apprentice College, Harrogate, UK
1972-77 2nd Division HQ, Bunde, Germany
1977-79 216 Para Signals, Aldershot, UK
1979-80 227 Signal Squadron (AFCENT), Maastricht, The Netherlands
1980-81 8th Signal Regiment, Catterick, UK
1981-84 14th Signal Regiment, Celle, Germany
1984-86 233 Signal Squadron, Lisburn, Northern Ireland
1986-90 641 Signal Troop, Maastricht, The Netherlands
1990-93 8th Signal Regiment, Catterick, UK

We have many fond memories of this time and enjoying countless experiences in the various places where we lived. Those experiences and our upbringing contributed hugely to who we are today. As for myself I only ever wanted to become an electronics engineer, just like my dad.

After the posting in The Netherlands mum and dad relocated to Harrogate, where they had met, and lived there for some years.

Most recently dad lived in Newby Wiske and was known locally as 'Camera Dave' as he would have had his camera bag over his shoulder whenever you would have seen him. He put his camera to very good use when he offered to photograph friends and their special occasions. He enjoyed taking photos of people and nature and in particular animals, landscapes, flowers and skies.

He will be fondly remembered by fellow patrons of The Otterington Shorthorn in South Otterington and The Durham Ox in Northallerton.

Our sincerest hope is that family and friends alike will celebrate dad's life by remembering the best of times, as we do.

And always remember that all of us have been blessed with his love and with the time we spent together, in our memories he will continue to live on... R.I.P. Dad xxx's

Margaret Fowles lit a candle
Margaret Fowles donated £100 in memory of David

In loving memory of my much loved brother David James Tomkins

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Isabel Larumbe wrote

Hello Simon

Very sorry for your lost. You have greats memories of your father that you will keep. I know now about your father through you so his memory is around all of us, "Camera Dave".
Best whises
Isabel

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Mary Eymery lit a candle
Dave Rossdeutcher wrote

Reminiscing with you about our fathers, Simon, I recall a quote that caught my eye when I considered the relationship shared with my dad after his passing -

"My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived and let me watch him do it." (American writer Clarence Budington Kelland)

Comforting thoughts to you, Simon, your family members and all whom your dad's life touched during his years on this earth.

Dave

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Trace Harling wrote

Hi Simon and everyone in the family, So sorry about your loss.Beautiful photos and a beautiful speech..Always remember the great times and fun times, you will treasure them memories forever.RIP Uncle Dave..You are already sadly missed all our love now and always Trace, Tia, Bren, Lol, Pete and Mike xxxxxx

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  • Hi Trace, many thanks for your kind words. All the best wishes to you all & lots of love xxx's

    Posted by Simon on 13/12/2021 Report abuse
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Kathryn Tomkins donated £30 in memory of David

Rest in peace David

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Kim van den Heuvel posted a picture
Good memorys living across our street in Geleen. We got to know Dave over New Years. Dave stood outside in his singlet, while it was freezing, watching the fireworks. From then on the friendship was Born. ❤️

Good memorys living across our street in Geleen. We got to know Dave over New Years. Dave stood outside in his singlet, while it was freezing, watching the fireworks. From then on the friendship was Born. ❤️

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Stephen Tomkins lit a candle
Hazel Middleton wrote

I always remember you visiting your dad next door to us in bradwell I grew up with your sister kathy I truly hope u rip all my love to all the family

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  • I remember too Hazel, such happy times of our holidays in Bradwell with everyone.

    Posted by Stephanie on 9/12/2021 Report abuse
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Tomkins Kathryn posted a picture
 One Xmas at pats

One Xmas at pats

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Family get togethers

Family get togethers

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Dave and Jolanda in our backjard in Geleen

Dave and Jolanda in our backjard in Geleen

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Dave and family was oud best men Sith my wedding with jolanda

Dave and family was oud best men Sith my wedding with jolanda

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Tomkins Kathryn lit a candle
Simon Tomkins donated £100 in memory of David

For the serving members, veterans and their families in need of assistance from the Royal Corp of Signals Charity in difficult times, my thoughts are with you.

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