ROBERT J. "BOB" TONKIN's Obituary
ROBERT J. TONKIN passed away at Bayside Village, L’Anse on July 27, 2014 surrounded by is family. He was 87 years old. Robert was born on May 17, 1927 in the Jackson Location of Negaunee to the late Howard and Florence (Pepin) Tonkin. He graduated from Negaunee High School. Robert joined the US Navy at the age of 17 and served in the Southern Philippines Headquarters as general court martial court reporter during World War II. He married the former Eunice Larson in Ishpeming. Robert had been employed in personnel and labor relations work for over 40 years in Lansing, White Pine and L’Anse retiring from the Celotex Corporation after 22 years. Robert founded the UP Personnel Association in 1969. He was a member of the L’Anse American Legion Post #144, past member of the L’Anse Lion’s Club, and an active member of the United Methodist Church, L’Anse. He served in almost all capacities at the church along with directing the choir and singing for 44 years. Robert was co-editor of the Nonesuch News in White Pine, and the Copper Range News. Music was a big part of his life playing trumpet in bands for over 30 years, he sang in, organized and directed church choirs and community choruses in the US Navy, White Pine and L’Anse for over 50 years. He was very proud of the Honor Flight Veterans to DC in 2012 with his son in law Bruce Clark.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years Eunice (Larson) Tonkin; six children Elizabeth (Bruce) Clark of Iron Mountain, MI, Deborah (Bill) Moilanen of Plano, TX, Kristin (Delbert) Kahler of L’Anse, Bradley (Debra) Tonkin of Arvada, CO, Jeffrey (Julie) Tonkin of Riverside, IL, Roberta (Bill) Burns of Denver, Co, 15 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and his sister Florence Kipling of Ishpeming. He is also survived by numerous niece, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers William Tonkin of Chrystal Falls, Jim Tonkin of Harvey, MI and Earl “John” Tonkin of Florida.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at the United Methodist Church, L’Anse with Reverend Steve Rhoades officiating. The family greeted friends on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse and at the church on Wednesday from 10 am until the time of the funeral service. Interment took place in the L’Anse Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy the family suggests memorials in Mr. Tonkin’s honor to be directed to the United Methodist Church, L’Anse.
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