Ben and Luke Tumlinson get ready to drop the puck between Karen Sinclair (left) and Lesley Noftle at the start of the Barton Tumlinson Memorial Hockey Game at the Oliver Arena on March 20.
Lyonel Doherty photo
After seeing her sons drop the puck, Melissa Tumlinson was overwhelmed with pride in Oliver last Friday.
“I’m completely humbled,” she said with emotion at the start of the Barton Tumlinson Memorial Hockey Game.
“I can’t believe so many people have come here,” she said, referring to the 150 people who attended the fundraiser at the arena.
The game was organized to raise money for a memorial bench at Oliver Elementary School where Barton was principal. He died of a sudden illness on January 23.
Friday’s game between parents and members of the community raised more than $2,000. Organizer Jeff Crowley said it was an overwhelming event, adding it was nice to see Barton’s sons Ben and Luke kick off the game with the puck drop.
Nine-year-old Kyah Allen sang “O Canada” while the players stood proudly on the ice.
Player Jeremy Sherburne, who teaches at Oliver Elementary, said it was very important to him to honour Barton’s memory.
“What I will miss most is his positive outlook. It didn’t matter what the day was like, he always tried to make it better.”
Sherburne said it has been difficult to re-adjust with Barton gone, noting there needs to be a lot of healing.
The teacher said many students had a personal connection with Barton, and his death was a great loss to them.
Cory-lee Mills, president of the Parents Advisory Council, said the hockey game was a “fun, healing moment” for everyone.
She noted the gathering created a sense of community, which is what Barton helped the school try to achieve.
“I miss his presence . . . he cared . . . everyone’s opinion mattered (to him).”
Mills pointed out that one of her daughters viewed Barton as her best friend.
Vice-principal Karen Sinclair said Barton listened to people “with the ear of his heart” and made them feel welcome.
Sinclair said Barton was a colleague that mentored teachers to be the best educators they could be.
“We miss Mr. Tumlinson every day, but every day we need to live by the words he left us . . . “be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Local parent Lesley Noftle said it was important for them to come together to celebrate Barton’s life.
She noted the principal was such a constructive entity in the school, and he created such a “team” atmosphere there.
“He was only here for one-and-a-half years, but it felt like he was here for a lot longer,” Noftle said.
Barton’s vision for his students went beyond classroom learning – he wanted to his pupils and their families make healthier choices and spend more time together.
Spending quality time together in Friday’s game were the following players: Matt Andreasen, Steve Arstad, Jordan Campbell, Jeff Crowley, Chris Hansen, Aaron Lester, Lesley Noftle, Anthony Ruck, Jeremy Sherburne, Spencer Tribbick (netminder), Mark Antonello, Jim Bousfield, (netminder), Jeremy Cook, Ray Haddow, Andrew Koteles, Jordan Noftle, Daryn Pottinger, Len Schneider, Karen Sinclair and Rob Zandee.
Derek Morgan was the referee.
People can donate to the Tumlinson education trust fund at any Royal Bank. The account number is 05130-5064860.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
From left, Jim Bousfield, Jeff Crowley and Derek Morgan take a break after the first period to reflect on the Barton Tumlinson Memorial Hockey Game at the Oliver Arena on March 20. More than $2,000 was raised for the cause.
Lyonel Doherty photos
