Obituary of Rev. John Delano Tompkins

Rev. John Tompkins of Saint John passed away at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Sunday, December 5, 2021, after a lengthy period of failing health.

Rev. Tompkins was born in Mayo, Florida on October 12, 1939 to the late John P. and Leila May (Hadden) Tompkins.  He grew up in Florida and joined the United States Air Force after high school.  Following discharge from the Air Force, Rev. Tompkins attended the Apostolic Bible Institute in St. Paul, Minnesota where he met his Bible College sweetheart, Helen Post.  They married in Perth-Andover in 1965.

Rev. Tompkins was an ordained minister with the United Pentecostal Church International and pastored churches in Maine and New Brunswick.  He also took an active part in the Atlantic District, serving as Sunday School Director, Harvestime Director and Editor of the District’s monthly periodical, The Pentecostal Messenger, which he edited for 25 years.

Rev. Tompkins attended two years of Clinical Pastoral Education at Centracare under the direction of Rev. Kirby Walsh, after which he volunteered at the Saint John Regional Hospital in the Pastoral Care Department for many years.  He enjoyed the many hours he spent ministering to people in this capacity.

After retirement from full-time ministry, Rev. Tompkins attended Mission Point Church under the direction of Pastor Brent Carter and served the church as an Elder until his death.

Rev. Tompkins is survived by his wife of 56 years, Helen (Post) Tompkins of Saint John; daughter, Dawn Maillet (Darren Tissington) of Quispamsis; grandson, Justin Maillet of Rothesay and granddaughters, Myra Maillet (Matt Swallow) of Moncton and Hannah Maillet of Rothesay; great-granddaughters, Sophia, Amelia and Sunny; brother, Paul Tompkins (Kim) of Ona, Florida; sister, Jeanette Trowell (Randall) of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; as well as many nephews, nieces and cousins.  He was predeceased by brothers, Charles Stewart, Benjamin Tompkins and Thomas Tompkins and sisters, Jo Anne Schanck and Clarice Burval.

Family was an enjoyable part of his life and some of the greatest memories were of holiday celebrations.  He also enjoyed family reunions in New Brunswick, PEI, on the Oregon Coast and Florida.

Resting at Mission Point Church, 130 Mark Drive, Saint John where visitation will take place on Thursday, June 9, 2022 from 2:00 - 8:00 PM and where a celebration of Rev. Tompkins' life will take place on Friday, June 10, 2022 at 12:00 PM.  Immediately following the service, the church will host a reception in the church hall.  Interment will take place in Cedar Hill Extension Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424).

For those who wish and in lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Northeast Christian College or a charity of one’s choice.  Online remembrances and condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.