December 29, 1931 - June 29, 2023
Richard Desmond Tamboline was born December 29, 1931, in the MSA hospital, Abbotsford BC, and died peacefully, after a short illness, at Saanich Peninsula Hospital, exactly 91 years and 6 months later on June 29, 2023. Rich was a very learned, conscientious man who had a strong sense of responsibility and civic duty, yet he rarely missed an opportunity to enjoy time with friends and family. His deep need to understand how the world around him worked drove him to learn all he could about wherever he happened to be and whatever he happened to be doing. His uncanny ability to retain facts long after he had read them and his willingness to discourse at great length on many subjects has granted him legendary status within his family and beyond.
The third child of George and Ida Tamboline, Rich's first 3 years were on Sumas Prairie, but after losing everything to the Great Depression the family moved back home to Ladner, BC. In that rural environment along with his sisters, brothers, and multiple cousins, he learned the value of community and a responsibility to others that came to define his personality. As a middle child growing up in a large family during the Depression and WW2, there was no question that the bulk of his time was spent contributing to the welfare of his family. Yet there was time for fun and games as well. Rich was always happy to share stories of his childhood shenanigans, usually with his older brother Doug. Stories about "camping" in an old parked car behind the barn and accidentally destroying it with the campfire, or pranking local characters were always guaranteed to get his kids and grandchildren rolling with laughter.
Anyone who knew him, knew that the guiding light of Rich's life was his beloved Doreen. They met during a high school trip to Victoria and eventually married in 1951. Their early years together were not without struggle as Rich completed his schooling and articled to become a chartered accountant while Doreen worked on raising their young family. Rich had a bit of a restless soul and when he felt he had learned all he could from a job, he was inclined to move on to something new that caught his interest. His willingness to explore the boundaries of his profession took him and his young family all over Canada. Living in Vancouver, Kitimat, Montreal, back to Tsawwassen and eventually up to Faro, Yukon, the family explored everything that each area had to offer.
After spending 25 years devoting his time and energy to the business of others, Richard retired from the corporate world upon leaving Faro in 1976. He and Doreen settled on Mayne Island developing MI Shadwell Farm for the next 39 years. In a true labor of love, at 45 years of age, the two embraced homesteading life. Living without indoor plumbing initially, heating with a wood stove (for all 39 years!), renovating an antique house, building gardens and out buildings, raising sheep and chickens, they provided a respite from the modern world and safe haven for family and friends from near and far. On Mayne, Rich became the 'backhoe guy', he was self-taught and expert, using it on the farm and doing digging jobs for locals with the help of his son, Rob. Even on Mayne Rich maintained his strong sense of civic duty, working as a Director on the Islands Trust, and on the CRD. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need, whether it was a drainage ditch required, or an advocate in the political arena.
Richard was a well-respected, much loved man who found great joy in being with his family and friends. As he moves on to be with his lifelong love, Doreen, he will be remembered for his vast knowledge, his fascination with the world at hand, and his willingness to share his knowledge and talents. Richard will be sadly missed by his children Brian (Elaine), Colin (Joyce), Rob (Anne), and Irene, his sister Joan, brother Norman (Pat), brother in law Jack Froud, along with his 9 living grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. The family thanks Dr. Andrea Lewis for her attentive and compassionate care, especially over the three years since Doreen passed away.