John Plunkett Tompkins passed away March 17, 2023 in his 102nd year. He was born in Tompkins, Codroy Valley, NL on April 27, 1921.

He first worked at the family business, Afton Farmhouse, a well-known hotel and fishing and hunting establishment. It was here that he met his future wife Kathleen (Kay) Sears. In 1956 the family moved to Sydney, NS where he worked his way from pastry cook to executive chef. In 1968 he became chef at Mt St Bernard College and, later, manager at KFC. In his community, Johnny was a member of St Joseph’s church choir (Sydney), Knights of Columbus, Town of Antigonish Tree Committee, and a long-serving Heart and Stroke canvasser. 

A passionate Newfoundlander, he continued yearly visits to the Codroy Valley until age 97. Johnny loved sports, music, dancing with Kay, and going for drives in the car. Observing wildlife, gardening, picking apples, berries, and roadside flowers gave him great pleasure. A well-dressed and sharp-witted gentleman, he put people at ease.

Predeceased by his parents, James and Ursula (Burke) Tompkins, his seven siblings, his wife of 64 years Kathleen (Sears), his granddaughter Alecia Maudsley, and his great-granddaughter Keira Kilbane. He will be forever loved by children, James (Ronalda), Claire (Ralph Downey), Maureen (George Robinson, deceased), Brian (Anita), and Patricia (Steve Maudsley); 12 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.

A special thank you to Dr David Cudmore, Elaine Bowie, Faye McKenna Steeves, Mary MacDonald, Anna VanZupthen, the late Sheila Deon and the staff at Antigonish Manor and the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home.

Visitation will be held at C.L.Curry Funeral Home, Wednesday March 22nd, 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Funeral mass at St Ninian Cathedral, Thursday March 23rd, 10 am; burial to follow at a later date. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Antigonish Community Food Bank, the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home or the Canadian Cancer Society.