Richard Tomlinson

Dr. Richard (Rick) S. Tomlinson, 73, passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2017, at 10:54 pm at St. Mary’s Hospital.Rick was born to Raymond and Betty (Thompson) Tomlinson on October 13, 1944 in Farragut, Idaho and was raised in Decatur, Illinois. Rick graduated from St. Teresa High School in 1964, joining the U.S. Navy in 1966, and spent the next 21 years serving his country. He was stationed aboard the USS Lowry (DD-770), was a member of Fighter Squadron 194 (embarked in USS Oriskany CVA-34) and then became the Administrative Department Head, USS Long Beach (CGN-9). Rick finished his career in the U.S. Navy as Commander, Naval Manpower/Personnel Command in Washington, D.C. Rick married Patricia Clark on September 17, 1993 in Decatur, Illinois.While serving his country, he also embarked on a career in education, receiving his A.A. degree in English, summa cum laude, at Delmar College, Corpus Christi, TX; his B.A. degree in English, summa cum laude, at the University of San Diego, California; and his M.A. in English Studies from Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. While studying at Georgetown, Rick’s advisor, Dr. Paul Betz, encouraged him to apply to Oxford University, which he did and was accepted in June 1987. He went on to receive a D. Phil and M. Phil in English Language and Literature with a major concentration in British Romantic Literature from St. Catherine’s College, in the University of Oxford, England. Rick’s Doctoral Dissertation was on An Edition of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s’ Opus Maximum. Throughout the course of his career as a teacher, Rick student- taught at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. and St. Catherine’s College, in the University of Oxford, England. After returning to Decatur in 1992, he taught at Millikin University and he then spent the last 24 years in the English department at Richland Community College in Decatur, IL. Rick was dedicated to his students, focusing on helping his students to develop learning skills, rather than simply attaining grades.From 2000 – 2010, Rick was the Editor of the Charles Lamb Bulletin based in London, England. The Charles Lamb Bulletin is a highly regarded peer-review journal and a lively forum for discussion of all things Elian. Its contributors have included an array of distinguished scholars including Jonathan Bate, Edmund Blunden, Gillian Beer, John Beer, Helen Darbishire, Earl Leslie Griggs, Nicholas Roe and Duncan Wu. Rick has published numerous articles throughout his career in the Charles Lamb Bulletin, The Friend, and the Wordsworth Circle. In addition, he has received numerous awards including: Richland Community College Faculty of the Year (2009), Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers ( 1998, 2002-2004, 2006, 2012), and the 2000 PUSH for Excellence Award from the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition Rick volunteered in the community throughout his lifetime for various organizations including the Decatur Leadership Institute, Academic Director (2007-2010) and Homework Hangout After-School Program, Executive Director (2003-2005).He is survived in death by his wife Pat, his children, Sean and Jeff Tomlinson, both of Decatur; daughter, LeAnne Terneus (Dan) of Latham, Il., and grandchildren, Mason, Owen and Addyson Terneus, all of Latham. Il.Rick loved to golf, read and spend time with his family. He loved the English language and was very precise in his use of it, especially when he was teaching. He was always willing to help anyone who asked. Rick will be greatly missed. A celebration of life will be held at Richland Community College in the Auditorium, Wednesday, November 1, 2017, from 5 pm to 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Rick & Pat Tomlinson Endowed Scholarship for “Personal Grit” through the Richland Community College Foundation.“Our own heart, and not other men’s opinion, forms our true honor.” Samuel Taylor Coleridge "
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