TOMPKINS, GERALD E. 1919-2007 - On Monday, August 13, 2007, at Riverview Manor, Bath, Gerald Ercell Tompkins of Florenceville passed away at the age of 88 after a long hard struggle with Alzheimer's Disease. Gerald was the son of the late Henry and Mabel (Sherman) Tompkins of Florenceville. He was truly a gentle man, always there for family, friends and community. He served with pride in the army during WW II. After the war, Gerald settled in East Florenceville building a home for his family beside his father's farm with the hands of he and his parents. He worked for B. B. and F. Hydro for many years and after suffering a broken back in the line of duty, he became co-owner of a small grocery store beside his home. Gerald and his wife Lucy provided gracious service to their customers for many years until their retirement. A very humble man who did not seek acclaim even though he deserved it, having in his lifetime saved four people from drowning, including his daughter Joan. Gerald was publicly thanked for brave intervention during the devastating fire at the McCain Factory some years ago. Very quiet with strangers, his family and friends remember his story telling and his quiet chuckle when amused. An avid reader of history and military subjects until ravaged by Alzheimer's Disease. We have missed him these last years and it is a blessing he is now at rest. Gerald is survived by his loving wife Lucy (Wagner), his dear children, Joan Tompkins of Florenceville, Gary (Fernande) of Florenceville, Donald (Carole) of Saint john, Tim (Ann) of PEI and Judy (Brian) Baskerville of Chelsea, Quebec, Grampy to Cara, Christopher, Amy, Warren, Becky, Heather, Kira and Matthew, Great Grampy to Jasmine, Justin, Connor and Jeanette and brother to Beatrice Tompkins. Predeceased by his daughter, Nancy, grandson, Timothy Jr., sisters, Leota Hanson and Dorothy Glidden and brother, Rolland Tompkins. There will be no visitation by Gerald's request. There will be a memorial service on Monday, August 20, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. from the Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd, Florenceville, the Rev. Douglas Painter officiating. Interment will be in the family plot behind the church. There will be a legion service prior to the memorial at 2:30 p.m. The family requests that expressions of sympathy be made to the Riverview Manor, Bath or to the Alzheimer's Society. There will be a reception in the church basement following the burial. Everyone is welcome. Family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of Riverview Manor who always provided loving and professional care, sometimes in very difficult conditions. Kilcollins Funeral Home, Bath (www.kilcollins.com) in care of arrangements.