Michael Tomlinson
Died: January 3, 2026 | Place: London, Ontario
Services
Visitation
Saturday, January 24, 2026
2:00-4:00 pm
A. Millard George Funeral Home
60 Ridout Street South
London, Ontario
N6C 3X1
Obituary
TOMLINSON, Michael…
Michael Tomlinson, beloved husband, father, papa, brother and retired educator, passed away unexpectedly on January 3, 2026, in his 84th year. He shared 55 loving years of marriage with his cherished wife, Lynne Tomlinson, who passed away in 2020. Together, they built a life filled with love, commitment and family. Dear Brother of Barbara MacIntyre and predeceased by his parents Leo and Ruth Tomlinson and sister Ronna McIlmurray. Michael is survived by his devoted children: Lisa Ancans (Graham), Kevin Tomlinson (Michelle) and Brent Tomlinson (Stephanie). He embraced his role as “Papa” with pride, offering guidance, encouragement and wisdom to his grandchildren: Jeremy and Lucas Ancans; Tyler, Joelle and Alyssa Tomlinson; and Connor and Maya Tomlinson. Music was a lifelong passion for Michael. He began playing the trumpet at a young age with the London Police Boys Band and continued through his years at South Collegiate Institute. He later carried this love of music as a member of the University of Western Ontario Marching Band. Michael dedicated 33 years to the London Board of Education, serving as a teacher, consultant, vice principal and principal. Even in his retirement, he remained actively involved in his community-serving as an assistant golf coach at Western University for 27 years, playing trumpet with Encore the Concert Band and singing with the Forest City Singers choir. In his spare time, Michael loved to golf with his best friends—including the frequent South vs Central alumni matches—attend summer theatre and play bridge online with close friends every Friday afternoon. He also treasured time with his family, gardening, cooking, supporting his grandchildren’s activities—including watching his grandsons play baseball—and celebrating holidays together around the kitchen table. Michael will be remembered for his love of family, dedication to education and the joy he brought to all who knew him. His kindness, wisdom and passion for life leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of his family and friends. Cremation has taken place. The family kindly requests that donations may be made to: Dreams Come True Music Studio (cheques payable to “Allison O’Connor – Dreams Come True music Studio and mail to Dreams Come True Music Studio”, 451 George Street, Port Stanley, ON N5L 0B1, e-transfer to [email protected], or online via https://ihaveresolve.com/donate/ and use Michael’s name for reference), the Heart & Stroke Foundation (1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414 Toronto, ON M4P 1E4), or Western University Men’s Golf Team (Westminster Hall – Annual Giving, Suite 260, 361 Windermere Road, London, ON N6J 2K3) in Michael’s memory. When Lynne passed away during COVID, the Tomlinson family was not able to gather with family and friends to honour her life as they would have liked. All are invited to a celebration of life for both Lynne and Michael at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, on Saturday, January 24, 2026 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
12 Comments
Write a Condolence
Submit A Photo
Photos
Make a Donation in honour of Michael Tomlinson
Family's Preferred Charities:
Please mail your donations directly to the charity
OR
Use the link below to complete your donation online.
Please complete the following so the family can acknowledge donations.
Donations
Ted Clark - Western University Men’s Golf Team
Ben Simpson - Heart & Stroke Foundation
Riley and Lori Culhane - Dreams Come True Music Studio
Bonnie-Heather McAuslan - Dreams Come True Music Studio
Burke Flowers
When you order funeral flowers from Burke Flowers, our skilled and compassionate florist will work directly with the funeral home to ensure that your delivery is timely and accurate. Same-day delivery is often available, please call (519) 672-8190 || (800) 303-7413 for a more customized experience.
We spent many wonderful years travelling and socializing with Mike and Lynne. Our hearts go out to family and friends. They will be missed by all who knew them. There isn’t a room big enough to hold all who loved them.
Jack and Sheila Baker
Expressing sincere condolences to Mike’s entire family. He will be missed so much by many friends for many reasons for those of us who so enjoyed his laughter and presence.
Pete and Casey Loveless
Brent Stephanie Conor and Maya my condolences on the loss of your father and grandfather ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Barbara van Mels
Mike was a great friend. His love and laughter are part of us. We had so many trips, and events with Lynne and Mike. They are among the kindest souls we know. Mikes smile, laughter and quick wit endeared him to all who met him. We shared our love of theatre and music among other things. Singing in the same choirs was a great highlight as was our amazingly wonderful “ theatre group.”
We shall miss you Mike. May your music and singing continue in that heavenly choir forevermore.
We are blessed to have known you.
Sue and Mike van Baardwyk
Dear Kevin and Michell. We are so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing Kevin. Please pass on our condolences to the rest of the family. Only met your mom and dad a couple of times through the Thrashers but knew only great things about both of them. Ginny and Paul
The loss of a cherished former colleague reminds us how deeply one life can touch others. Supportive, kind, and a delight to know, Mike continues—thirty-five years later—to leave an imprint through the many fond memories he gave us. My condolences to his family.
Lisa and Graham Ancans- please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of your father and father-in -law. You will have many happy memories of a man much loved and admired by all
Mr. Tomlinson was our first principal, at Princess Elizabeth PS. As brand new teachers entering the profession, eager but unsure, Mr. Tomlinson instilled in us a sense of confidence and belonging. As our school’s leader, he used kindness, trust, humour, and common sense, inspiring each and every one of us to give our best every day. We shall be forever indebted to Mr. Tomlinson for the immeasurable influence he had on our careers and our lives. Our warmest thoughts go to Mr. Tomlinson’s family.
Brent and Family. Please accept my sincere Condolences on the loss of your dad Mike. My family will be forever entwined in your family. As our grandparents are buried beside each other at woodland Cemetery. I will miss seeing your dad at various concerts in London. Sending you hugs and love.
Lisa, Graham and family. Lisa, we are saddened to hear of the passing of your Dad. An incredible loss. Thinking of you
Michael and I were students at South Collegiate—Mike was a better student than I, and enjoyed many times together where laughter was much involved. Michael was a fine musician and was much at home on any golf course which is reflected in his many years of being on the golf coaching staff at the UWO. I last saw Mike at the 100th Anniversary of South and we reminisced over many things including the devastating loss of his wife, Lynne who was also a close friend of my late sister, Gail. My condolences to Michael’s family and friends upon whom he left a positively lasting impression.
Ross Spettigue,
Windsor, ON
Lisa, Graham and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your dad as a very kind man. I am sure he was a great papa to the grandkids.
My deepest condolences.
Arlene