August 7, 2025 

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, B.C. 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. 

You may offer a message of condolence at Cypress Funeral and Cremation Services for the Tomliens family. 

• Date : 2025-08-07
• Location : Kamloops