Former Leamington Spa mayor dies at 84

Carolyn Reid is mourning the death of a dear personal friend, as well as a friend to the Municipality of Leamington.

Carolyn learned through a phone call recently that Peter Tombs, the former mayor of Leamington Spa, England had died following a rather lengthy illness. He was 84.

She said their friendship blossomed when Peter and his wife Margaret (who passed away in 2000) visited here to join in the town's Centennial celebrations in 1974. Carolyn said not only did the visit forge a friendship between the two towns, it was also responsible for her family and the Tombs' family forming a lifetime friendship for 37 years.

She said in 1976 Peter and Margaret paid a visit to her family, bringing along three of their five children. Two years later, two of their children, Sarah and Chris, returned to Leamington for another visit with the Reid family.

In 1981, the Reid family was invited to Sarah's wedding — making the trip there to join in the celebration.

The friendship continued and Carolyn said in 2007, she and her late husband Jim, paid a surprise visit to the Tombs' in honor of Peter's 80th birthday.

On Nov. 10, Tombs' funeral was held at King's Sutton Baptist Church, exactly 11 years after his wife's funeral.

For Carolyn, it was a rather tough time — wishing she could be there but committed to attending a niece's wedding in Louisiana. Deep down, Carolyn said she takes solace in knowing that Jim, Margaret and Peter, will be together watching over her and the rest of their families during their travels.

But Carolyn said she will miss their friendship.

She said Peter was a dedicated man who gave so much back to his community.

A draftsman by trade, Carolyn said he worked for many years as a standards and technical information officer.  To read more go to www.leamingtonpostandshopper.com.