Tompkins & Heels Monuments

A BRIEF HISTORY

In 1932, George Tompkins established the firm as "Tompkins Monuments" and remained with the operation until his death in 1956 (24 years). George originally learned his skills as a stone-mason in Toronto fabricating the stone required for the many large buildings that, in that era, were constructed mainly of stone.

In 1935 his brother, Alfred Tompkins, joined the operation and they changed the firms name to "Tompkins Brothers". Alfred contributed his skill as an architectural draftsman and salesman for the firm until 1969 (34 years).

Edward "Ted" Heels, a nephew, joined the firm with his uncles in 1948, at which time the firm became "Tompkins and Heels Monuments". Ted learned his skills from his uncles as a stone cutter and designer as well as a specialized carver of floral designs, a skill that he acquired in Barre, Vermont from a carver who perfected his specialized type of floral carving for monuments. Ted is still with the firm (more than 60 years!).

In 1973, Gerry Heels, son of Ted, joined his dad as a partner, learning all of the skills passed down from his uncles and dad to be a very accomplished tradesman in this field. Gerry has been in the business for 35 years.

To date, Ted and Gerry are the owners of "Tompkins and Heels Monuments".