Peter Derek Tomliens
August 7, 2025
In Loving Memory
Peter Derek Tomliens
After a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Peter Derek Tomliens on August 7, 2025, in Kamloops, British Columbia. He was in his 80th year.
Peter is survived by his beloved wife, Suzanne (Powell), daughters Patricia Tomliens, Belinda Pocha, and Heather Gonzalez, son Derek Tomliens, six grandsons, one granddaughter, a great-grandson, and sister Pam Green.
Peter was born in Eltham, London, England, and at the age of 18, emigrated to New Zealand to work on a dairy farm. While on a cruise, a port of call in Canada captured his heart. He moved to a dairy farm in Toronto before eventually making his way west to British Columbia to continue ranching in Ashcroft. It was there that he met his wife and started his family. Ashcroft is also where he began his lifelong career as a shovel operator at Highland Valley Copper (previously Bethlehem Copper) mine. Peter’s passion for animals and working the land led to his purchase of a farm at Loon Lake, where he and Suzanne raised their four children and lived for 43 years.
When he wasn’t dedicated to the labors of farm life, Peter was an avid cyclist who also enjoyed cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and crafting models. He made sure to expose his family to culture with summer vacations at provincial campgrounds and trips to see musicals at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. A private man, Peter was known among friends for his quick wit, British humor, love for his dogs, and passion for travel.
Due to the aggression of his Parkinson’s, Peter relocated to a long-term care facility for the last six months of his life. The family extends their thanks to all of the staff at AgeCare for their compassion, patience, and commitment to Peter. The family is grateful that Peter was able to return home to their care in his final days.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 23, at 1:00 p.m. in the Atrium at AgeCare – Sun Rivers in Kamloops, BC. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial gift be made to the Parkinson’s Society of British Columbia in Peter’s name.
Arrangements entrusted to
Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-554-2324
Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services:
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Comments: 11
My deepest condolences to the family and friends on their loss of Peter. I was fortunate enough to get to know him and see his precious grin from time to time while being his bus driver to and from weekly activities, where he has been greatly missed. Rest easy my friend, until we meet again.
Marianne
DEAREST Suzanne and Family,
So so sorry to hear of Peters passing…sending my deepest condolences to you and your family. May he rest in peace now, as he must have been battling with this awful desease for some time now.
Its been a while since we saw you. I am still here in Jamaica, if you ever want to come visit some time!
Lots of love, always,
Sonia
XOXO
I got to know Peter fairly well from working with him at HVC and also having the pleasure of car pooling with him. When i read his obit it was a flashback to many great storys of his younger adventures and to where it had brought him. He would talk about his earlier days at Bethlehem copper and all the characters that were there and i could visualize it like i was watching a movie. Driving home had its adventures, driving down the tailings lines, running out of gas in the car and coasting into Ashcroft. Quite often i think back and remember the time spent. Very sad to learn of his passing, wish i could have made it to the service.
Being New Zealand born and breed, Pete and I talked a lot of the farming down under, when we had the opportunity too. I had lived on a sheep farm in the North Island, so we could share stories.
Really nice man, sorry to hear of his passing.
Condolences to Sue and the entire Tomliens family. Love and hugs from Carol and Rusty Bouck
Im so sorry for your loss 💙
I am sorry to learn of Peter’s passing, I remember Sue & Peter getting married in Ashcroft, living on Brunswick Place in Ashcroft, moving to Loon Lake, all the kids getting on the school bus, the many animals you had over the years.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sherri
Suzanne and family, so sorry for your loss. He is no longer suffering and is now in a better place. Remember all the good times that you had together as these become the cherished moments/memories that you will keep close to your heart.
Hugs to all. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love Nikki.
I’m so incredibly sorry to hear about your father’s passing. My deepest sympathies to you and your family during this time. Wishing you peace and comfort in these difficult days.
My deepest condolences to Sue, and all the rest of Peter’s family and friends. He can be at peace now, after such a long, difficult disease process. Love and hugs to Sue.
Lorrie.
Dear Sue and family, we just heard this morning about Peter’s passing. I will never forget the FUN times we had while cycling together. We will be sending a donation to the Parkinson’s Society of BC in his memory.
If ever you happen to be in Ashcroft please try and connect with us. We would love to take you out for lunch or dinner. Heck, you are more than welcome to stay a night or two.
We send you and your family our sincere condolences.
Love, Ina & David