Friday January 23rd at about 2pm – Barton Tumlinson fell ill and was taken to the SO General Hospital in Oliver. He suffered a cardiac arrest according to one report. He did not survive.

Oliver Elementary School students  were told about the death by classroom teachers in an age approppriate way Monday. Grief counsellors are on hand if needed.

Many parents and people in the community seemed to know in the last three days – but publication held off in respect of the family and all of those children who did not know or had not had a conversation with their parents.

To say the least Tumlinson was respected first by kids, parents, his peers and his employer. He was a great guy. The picture above I think says it all. Open and caring.

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“Sad news in deed.  OES and district staff were notified after school Friday.  While we cannot control how fast these things get out, we are going to give the family some space and share it with students on Monday when appropriate supports can be in place.” – Bev Young Superintendent of Schools

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2013 – Barton Tumlinson came to Oliver Elementary School from a V/P position he held in Keremeos for four years.

David Barton Tumlinson was born in Salmon Arm December 26, 1970 – and lived in Penticton with his family.

He has been in education for a total of 18 years with 5 years in school administration south of the border.