Followed his beloved wife Elaine into eternity, just 2 months after her death and 7 days after his 74^th birthday. Richard was born in Flint, MI, on July 8, 1947, the son of Edmund and Dorothy (Jakowczyk) Tomkinson. He married Elaine Roehm on February 14, 1970. Rich dedicated his life to his wife, music, and his family. He was a jack of all trades, a chocolate milk fanatic, firm but loving, and gave the best hugs. He was a long-time bass player in the Rock-a-Billies, and later, Firestorm. He played the bass guitar with a fury when he locked into a groove, only he could create. Rich loved nature and started his life as Methodist farm boy. Richard is survived by his children, Cherinne (John) Thomas of Augusta, Angeline (Jack) Dawson of Ft. Myers, FL, Bryan Tomkinson of Kalamazoo; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Hannah, Nikolas, Johnny, Aiyana, Alexis; sisters, Virginia (Ken) Wright, and Irene (Oscar) Sanchez; several nieces and nephews; many children who were loved by him as his own; and countless friends. Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents.