Obituary of Frank John Toswell

FRANK JOHN TOSWELL of North Bay passed away peacefully in his 82nd year on October 13, 2012, at the North Bay Regional Health Centre, surrounded by his loving family. A teacher for over 30 years in the Near North District School Board, he started his career in Port Loring, then Timmins, and finally in North Bay at North Bay Collegiate Institute and Vocational School (later Algonquin) and Widdifield Secondary School,. He was the Head of the Guidance Department at Widdifield Secondary School from the school's opening in 1965 until his retirement in 1988. An avid curler and builder of sports in the North Bay area, he was a founding Board member of the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame. John was inducted into the Hall in 2001 in recognition of his curling accomplishments and his builder roles as a coach (football and hockey), referee (Northern Football Conference Hall of Fame), executive member (President of both the North Bay Granite Club and the Northern Ontario Curling Association), and long-time volunteer to the North Bay and area sports community. Born in Callander, Ontario, John obtained his B.A. from the University of Western Ontario and his guidance specialist designation from McMaster University. In retirement, he enjoyed travel (notably to national and world curling championships), golf and gardening in the summer and seniors curling in the winter. He also provided many hours of dedicated service to the Retired Teachers of Ontario (RTO) organization. John is survived by Doris, his loving wife of 53 years; his brother Harold (Noreen); his children, Jane, David (Heather) and Duncan (Wenda); and his four grandchildren Meghan, Hayley, Cameron and Emily. The family would like to thank Dr Ian Cowan for his exceptional care as well as the nursing team on 3C at the Hospital. The family also very much appreciates the spiritual support from Rev. Marie Loewen, Rev. Canon Murray Tipping and the Christ Church Anglican family. Friends may call on Monday, October 15th at Martyn's Funeral Home, 464 Wyld Street from 7pm till 9pm. A memorial service will be held at Christ Church Anglican, 890 Vimy Street, North Bay at 11 am on Tuesday, October 16, 2012. No flowers please. If desired, the family would appreciate donations in John's name to the Canadian Cancer Society.