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

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