Robert E. “Bud” Tomlin died peacefully surrounded by his family at the age of 78.
Mr. Tomlin was born in Taylorville, Ill., and moved west to spend 66 years living in the San Lorenzo Valley.
A graduate of Boulder Creek High School (now San Lorenzo Valley High School) and a gifted athlete, he was one of the first to be recognized as the school’s Male Athlete of the Year. He scored a touchdown on the first play of four consecutive offensive possessions while playing against Carmel High School and still holds a school rushing record.
Mr. Tomlin married his high school sweetheart, Barbara J. Meschi, who preceded him in death. In 1950, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served with distinction as a boatswain’s mate second class on the USS Brinkley Bass destroyer during the Korean War.
Mr. Tomlin joined the Boulder Creek Volunteer Fire Department in 1957 and faithfully served for 38 years, 25 years as fire chief. He was known throughout Santa Cruz County as a dedicated fire service professional.
He was also a much-loved rural mail carrier and worked with the Boulder Creek Post Office for more than 20 years.
An avid outdoorsman, Mr. Tomlin passed the love of the great outdoors to many of his loved ones.
For the past 17 years, Mr. Tomlin was married to Mary Lou Tomlin. During that time they dedicated their lives to each other, their children, their church and their adventures in travel.
Mr. Tomlin is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Tomlin of Boulder Creek; son, Robert Tomlin Jr., and his wife, Wendy, of Auburn, Wyo.; daughter, Debby Ullrich of Portola; stepchildren, Mark Bailey, Chris Bailey, Kerry Bailey and Greg Bailey of Northern California; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Services were Tuesday, Sept. 27, at Felton Presbyterian Church. Arrangements were handled by Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel in Santa Cruz, and condolences may be shared at www.pacificgardenschapel.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mr. Tomlin’s name may be sent to Felton Presbyterian Church, 6090 Highway 9, Felton CA 95018; or to Boulder Creek Fire Protection District, 13230 Highway 9, Boulder Creek, CA 95006.
