Here is a brief biographical sketch of Brother Stanley Josiah Tombs taken from Temple Lodge, No. 33 records and from his obituary in the Cowichan Leader newspaper:

“...W. Bro. Secretary reported with very much regret the loss of our highly esteemed Bro. Stanley Josiah Tombs.

                                Born, Worcestershire, England, January 15, 1902
                                Died, Duncan, B.C., February 8, 1942. Aged 40 years.
                                Initiated May 11, 1937
                                Passed June 8, 1937
                                Raised October 26, 1937. All in Temple Lodge, No.33.

Wreath and letter of sympathy has been sent to his brother and sister. W.M. ordered the Charter to be draped for one month.....”

 Source: Temple Lodge Minute Book, Emergent Meeting of 10 February 1942

“Tombs – The death early Sunday morning in the King’s Daughters’ Hospital, Duncan, of Mr. Stanley Josiah Tombs, Festubert Street, has brought sorrow to many who had known him since he came to the Cowichan district as a young boy. Though he had been in poor health for two years, he was a patient in the hospital only a week before he passed away.

        Born in Tenbury, England on January 15, 1902, Stan, as he was generally known, had just had his 40th birthday. He was the second son of the late Mr. and Mrs. T.E. Tombs and came to Canada with his parents and his brothers and sister, 30 years ago. They first made their home at Somenos, later moving to Duncan, where his father owned and operated the Quamichan Hotel, (now known as the Commercial Hotel) until his sudden death 26 years ago.

        Stan was educated in Duncan Public School and at Skrimshire’s School, Quamichan. For 23 years he had followed the trade of auto mechanic, and was a popular member of the mechanical staff at Duncan garage for a number of years.

        Later he went to Vancouver and worked at Vancouver Motors for eight years, coming back to Duncan, where, for six years, he was in the Public Works Department’s mechanical shop and at other garages in town. Two years ago he was forced to give up work owing to ill health.

        During his school days and for some time afterwards Stan played football and basketball. He was a member of Cowichan Golf Club for some years. He was also a member of Duncan Elks Lodge and Temple Lodge, A.F. & A.M. He was well known and well liked by many, who regret his death at such an early age.

        Stan leaves his younger brother, Rowland (Rowly), Port Alberni, who came to Duncan last week to when his brother was not expected to live; his sister May, with whom he made his home; and one nephew and one niece. Mr. C.W. Pitt is a cousin and there are several relations in England. His mother died six years ago, and his oldest brother, Tom, was killed in action in the last war.

        Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. R.T. Archbold in St. John’s Church, Duncan, on Tuesday afternoon. With Mrs. S.H. Hoskins at the organ the hymns sung were `Our Blessed Redeemer`and `Peace, Perfect Peace.` Interment was made in the churchyard of St. Peter`s Quamichan, where his parents were buried.

        Pallbearers were Messrs. Eli Plaskett, Walter Whan, Garfield Weeks, Frank Driver, R.W. Dickie and F. Cudlip (Shawnigan Lake). There was a very large number of lovely wreaths. Davis Funeral Service had charge of arrangements.``

Source: Cowichan Leader, 12 February 1942