June 22, 1910-November 9, 2011
Yes Dad, after living an incredible life that spanned more than 101 years, your name is here this morning.
Roy was born in Grimsby England, only child of Albert & Charlotte Tidman. At age 15 he traveled on one of his grandfather’s Steam Trawlers across the Atlantic to Nova Scotia. This was the first of many wonderful boating adventures that would take him to destinations all over the world.
On such adventure took place August 12, 1936, when Dad sailed to Riverport, Nova Scotia and met the beautiful “lady in red”. One year later Roy married Agnes Louise Creaser. During the next 43 years our Mom and Dad lived a life few people experience. Together they had six children; Patsy (David), Janet (Duncan), Ron (Judy), Nancy (Mel), John (Eileen), Elizabeth (Michael), 13 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Their marriage was based on a profound love for each other, full of travel, adventure and family gatherings.
Roy had many successful careers during his lifetime, including photographer for the Halifax Chronicle, telecommunications, designer and builder of many sail and power boats. His legacy though began in 1948, when he started Tidman Construction. This would be his career for the next 30 years. Now in the third generation, The Tidman Group has been one of Victoria’s most respected builders, for more than 60 years.
Even in retirement, Roy’s inquisitive mind and keen sense of observation made him a lifelong student of the world. His hobbies encompassed everything from raising tropical fish to building model railways that dazzled his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Most mornings Roy could be found sitting at his table doing his crossword puzzle.
Roy was predeceased by his wife Agnes, in May 1980. His second wife Sydnay, with whom he shared seven wonderful years, died in a 1988.
Roy is lovingly remembered by his wife Mona, whom he married in 1990, Mona’s four children, and also his life-long friend Glyn Jones.
These are Dad’s words taken from an excerpt of his memoirs... “I consider myself most fortunate, having had a full life with the love of my family, three wonderful wives with whom I had the good fortune to see much of this great World. What more could a person wish for.”
The family sends their thanks and gratitude to all the wonderful caregivers at The Peninsula and Norgarden, with special thanks to Kim Erb and Dr. Valerie Cowan for their loving care.
Roy’s family would like friends to join them in a “CELEBRATION OF LIFE” as we send Dad on his final journey. December 5, 2011 from 2-4pm, at the Capital City Yacht Club, 10630 Blue Heron Rd., North Saanich.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Roy’s name to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation, 2166 Mt. Newton Cross Rd., Saanichton BC V8M 2B2.