Daphne Tomblin

It is with great sadness that we share the loss of Daphne Tomblin; friend, inspiration, and a true force of nature. She died peacefully on January 7th, 2026, in Nanaimo General Hospital surrounded by her grandsons, and some of her closest friends. Her perseverance and caring will live on in our hearts, and hopefully so will the lessons she taught us.

Born Yvonne Daphne Beveridge in England in 1931 where she grew up with her parents David and Elsie, and sister Barbara. She moved to Canada shortly after marriage to then husband Peter Tomblin, where she trained and worked as a hospital laboratory technician, and raised her two boys. She loved the outdoors, and was active in camping, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and orienteering. Animals always had a special place in her heart, especially her dogs.

She moved to Vancouver Island in 1985 where she turned her love of animals and unbounded energy into a successful boarding kennel business, which she dedicated her life to until her retirement.

After retirement, her energy and love for animals was expressed through dog agility, and later sheep herding, where she developed many close friendships she would treasure for the rest of her life. She competed at a national level in agility into her 80’s, and is an inspiration for many. Even to her final days she would be out in the woods walking her dogs every morning and she wouldn’t want it any other way.

Daphne is survived by her two sons, David (Karen) and Paul (Vicki Robinson); her grandchildren Brad (Carly), James (Lisa Schlosser), Liane Tomblin and Alyssa Harrington (James Harrington); great-grandchildren Nash, Graham, Alexandra, Desmond, and Maeby; and much loved dogs Kody and Del.

There will be no service by her request, but a celebration of life to be held this spring. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to various dog rescue societies in tribute.