Robert M. Tompkins

Robert More Tompkins, 94, of Ashland, NY, passed away on October 2, 2013 after a brief illness. Born May 1, 1919 in Red Falls to Claude S. Tompkins and Ethel M. Westcott Tompkins, Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bertram C. Tompkins, and by his son-in-law Gene Spalding. Survived by his loving and beloved wife of 68 years Joyce Enderlin Tompkins, and five children: Larry R. (Donna) Tompkins, Richard E. (Randi) Tompkins, and Donald L. Tompkins, all of Ashland; Nance (Tom) Prisciantelli of Tucson AZ, and JoAnne (Gene) Spalding of Des Moines, IA. Also survived by eight grandchildren,12 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild, as well as five nephews and one niece. Bob was a dairy farmer, growing the size of his farm and herd until a tragic fire in 1970. Bob and Joyce had purchased his father's farm in 1945 (originally his great grandfather's), where he had lived from the age of six and the place he called home until his recent illness took him away. After the fire Bob was a business owner and operator, but he was always a farmer at heart. While he didn't come out ahead on every transaction, his conduct reflected the highest standards of integrity. He served the community as Boy Scout Leader, Fire Commissioner and as a member of the Ashland Fire Department since the age of 16. Bob was very dedicated to the Ashland Community Church, as a Trustee and Board Member as well as teaching Sunday School. Two of Bob's loves were baseball and animals, especially dogs and cows. He could build, repair, cure, or grow just about anything he needed to around the farm. In his later years he stayed busy building a house, traveling , playing the piano, developing new business ideas, and keeping the lawn mowed. Remembered as a very hardworking, kind, and caring man, Bob stood ready to help out anyone who needed it. He always had time for his family and loved them more than anything else, providing in good times and bad, and he faced the challenges of life with determination and the attitude that anything can be accomplished. Funeral services were held at 11 am Saturday, October 5, 2013 at The Ashland Community Church, with internment at Pleasant Valley Cemetery.