TRIBUTES TO POPULAR PILLAR OF COMMUNITY
ONE of the last surviving servicemen of the Second World War in the Far East has sadly died.
John Tomlinson, 94, kept the spirit of the RAF in his home village of Elsham alive by maintaining the monuments to his comrades.
John worked for many years as an electrical wholesale manger in Grimsby and Scunthorpe.
He was also a renowned horticultural judge and travelled the country attending flower shows. He was a former chairman of The Royal Dahlia Society. Villagers in Elsham mourned the loss of a key figure in their community who will be much missed and remembered for his dedication to RAF Elsham. He had no family of his own but Richard Judd said he always knew him as “Uncle John.”
He told how John was part of the British 8th Army in India and he received The Burma Star for his service.
“He did a lot for the RAF Association as Elsham was home to two Lancaster squadrons,” said Richard.
He told how John left the army at the end of the war and went to work for Beatles electrical wholesalers in Grimsby and Scunthorpe, before it was taken over by Edmundsons.
He was also an expert in flowers and became a chairman of the royal Dahlia Society.
“You can easily sum John up in one word. He was a gentleman. he was
always gentle and generous to all his friends and everyone in the village,” said Richard.
Georgina Flear said: “We are all going to miss him. He did a lot for the community. He was a lovely man.
“He was always busy with his flowers. I got to know him because I went to sort the seedlings in his garden. He came alive when he was in his garden and his greenhouse, setting vegetables. He left flowers and vegetables at his gate for people to help themselves.
“He was famous for his flowers and hanging baskets which everyone loved.”
She added: “It is sad we have lost John at this time because of the restrictions as his service is only going to be open to close friends. But we are going to have a memorial service next year at the church.”
Holme Farm care home owner, Tony Steeper said: “I have known John for more than 50 years. He lived opposite us up until about three months ago when he had a fall and came to live her to convalesce.
“He was little in stature but big in heart. He did so much for Elsham maintaining the RAF Association and was one of their most ardent supporters. He served on the parish council. he was also a very active member of the bowls club and was a very well-liked man.”
A funeral service will be held on December 3.