Obituary of Paul Tomen

TOMEN: Paul - January 27, 1926 - March 25, 2021.

It is with mixed emotions the family of Paul Tomen announces his peaceful passing into the arms of his Lord on March 25, 2021 at the age of 95.  Paul was born in Dover Township, Ontario, to John and Anna (Berezowska) Tomen.  

With only a grade eight education, he lived a life of perpetual learning. This is something he encouraged in his children and now grandchildren. He was trilingual; speaking Ukrainian, English and French.

In his younger years Dad guided duck hunts at St. Luke’s Marsh, trapped muskrats and carved duck decoys.  He proudly and successfully farmed his entire life starting on the family homestead in Dover and also on his farm in Harwich that he purchased in the mid 1950s, until his retirement at age 87.  Dad was a remarkable farmer and cultivated many crops of sugar beets, corn, wheat and soybeans and he was also his own mechanic and welder for every farm tractor, combine, implement and vehicle.

He married the love of his life Lillian (Krawchuk) in 1956, they were happily married until her passing in 2000 and they were so proud of all 4 children they raised together. Dad took pride in being a good provider. Despite modest means, our parents provided a richness of experience in our childhood that has left us with fond memories.

Dad taught us many valuable lessons such as the value of a dollar and putting in a good hard day’s work, but he never worked on a Sunday, as that was the Lord’s Day. Dad also taught us it was ok to stand up for yourself and challenged the height restrictions from the Chatham Airport, and to also support charity as he didn’t want to see someone go without. He was someone that would readily lend a helping hand to many, family, friends and even strangers.  Dad would always read jokes to us at family gatherings that kept us chuckling. Family was at the core of who he was. 

In his spare time, Dad was always trying to fabricate the ultimate fool-proof mouse trap and had to check his “trap line” daily.  In Dad’s eyes there wasn’t anything made that didn’t require some type of improvement or alteration to make it easier to use, more efficient or somehow better. Dad enjoyed hunting and spent many deer hunting seasons on Manitoulin Island. He also enjoyed moose hunting and even went caribou hunting in Labrador. Dad also enjoyed fishing, which included smelting in the spring and ice fishing for perch in the winter and he of course had the best homemade ice fishing hut.  

Dad enjoyed travelling and we were fortunate to be treated to many summer family vacations from the east coast to the west coast and everywhere in between.  Mom and Dad also enjoyed trips together to Mexico, Israel, throughout the United States, and the Caribbean.  

Dad had great faith in the Lord and lead by example.  He was a lifetime active member in Evangel Community Church, where he served on the board for many years. 

Memories of Dad will be forever cherished by his children, David (Larah), Mark (Jennifer), Brenda (Jim Bulley), Glenda (Curtis) McFadden.  Precious memories of “Pappy” will forever be in the hearts of his grandchildren, Kate, Jack, Sam, Sophie, Maia, Lily, Nicole, Allison, Mikayla, Tara, Patrick, Jordan, Francesca, and his great-grandchildren Harmony and London.

He is fondly remembered by his sisters Nellie Russchen and Lillian Fortuna.  He is predeceased by his wife Lillian (Krawchuk), his parents John and Anna (Berezowska), his siblings Peter, Mary Gresko, Jean, Nicholas, Daniel, Olga Michalik and Steven.  

Dad didn’t say goodbye, he always said “Bye for now”.  So, Dad, in your words this is just “Bye for now”.  We shall meet again.  

The family is grateful for the kind, gentle and thoughtful care of the staff at Riverview Gardens.  

If desired, donations may be made to Loads of Love or Canadian Cancer Society.  

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, 519-351-2040