April 27, 1942 — September 10, 2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tony Cumming of Kamloops, B.C. on Sunday September 10, 2023, at 81 years of age.

Tony is survived by his loving wife Lydia Cumming and his children Wendy Cumming of Kamloops and Michael Cumming of Calgary, Alberta. Also left to cherish his memory are his brother Conley Cumming of Yorkton, SK, sister-in-law Helen Third of Vernon, B.C., nieces Diane (Randy), Shannen (Derek), Dana and Sharon (James), nephews, Don (Jamie) Craig, and Shawn (Maria), and many great nieces and nephews that all meant a lot to Dad. Dad is pre-deceased by his parents Mollie and Hugh Cumming, brothers Bryan, and Fred, sister-in-law Valerie, sister-in-law Debbie, brother-in-law Sandy and nephew Kelly Cumming.

Dad was born in Burton-on-Trenton, Staffordshire, England and immigrated with his parents to Canada at the age of 5 to Springside, Saskatchewan. At 16 years of age, he joined the Canadian Armed Forces, first stationed in Montreal and then Fort Nelson, where he met and married mom (Lydia). The two were then transferred to Calgary for a year and then across the world to Germany where my brother Michael and I were born. After 3 years stationed in Germany were all transferred back to Canada – Oromocto, New Brunswick, then Petawawa, Ontario, across Canada to Chilliwack, B.C. and finally Kamloops, B.C. in 1979.

While stationed in Chilliwack Dad also did two 6-month tours with the United Nations in Egypt and Israel. Dad was transferred one for time but this time my parents decided it was enough moves, we all loved Kamloops, so Dad commuted to Vernon for a few years. Finally, after 28 years of service with the Canadian Armed Forces Dad retired in 1985 in the rank of Sergeant. We were all very proud of his military career. This was Dad’s 50^th year as a Royal Canadian Legion member.

Dad wasn’t finished working yet though. He worked for family friends in the awning business, then a few years with Chemonics Fire-Trol and back to working in the area he loved most automotive mechanics in the Trades Department with Cariboo College/Thompson Rivers University. He was responsible for the tool distribution…many I sure remember dad as being hardnosed, wanting the students to know what and why they were asking for certain tools. Many former students came up to him over the years to thank Dad for making them learn the why’s and how’s. Dad finally retired from working in 2001.

Dad enjoyed curling for many years and then turned to golf. He was a member of Aberdeen Hills Golf Club from opening day to the final day of operation. Mom and Dad met so many people that are to this day great friends. Dad was a Blazer season holder for many years, including cheering them on to the Memorial Vup in 1995, basically dad was a sports fan of any Canadian team. Mom and Dad were avid RVers. Travelling across Canada or to the U.S. several times in their 5^th Wheel or Motor home. Every couple of years dad would get 2-foot-itis…to buy a bigger trailer, of course he then had to talk mom into another purchase. They were members of the Juniper Good Sam RV Club, meeting so many people on their travel that became great friends. When covid hit and travel was restricted it was time to sell their motorhome. Now know as “Lucy”, their last motor home was purchased by Dave and Janice Dillon, ironically 6 months later when dad had his foot amputated, Dave and Janice were amazing with fitting a prosthetic for Dad.

Family meant a lot to Dad. He had a great relationship with his kids, understanding and always supportive, in our younger years even picking us, and our friends up from the Bars at all hours of the night. We could always count on him. My dogs, Buddy and Abby were his grand-dogs, they loved Dad and I’m positive they crossed the Rainbow Bridge to meet him with lots of licks and love.

Thank you to Dr Bourdeau and staff, Dr Baker, Nurse Jacki Johnson, Pastor Jane Gingrich, Marjorie Willoughby Hospice staff and Kamloops Seniors Village staff. A special thank you to all of our family and friends who have been so caring and supportive.

A Celebration of Dad’s life will take place at Hills of Peace Lutheran Church, 695 Robson Dr., Kamloops, B.C., October 7, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.. Interment will follow at a later date.

You may offer a message of condolence at First Memorial Funeral Services Kamloops for the Cumming family.

• Date : 2023-09-10
• Location : Kamloops