Ernest Toffan
Ernest Roy Toffan, 87, a resident of Thunder Bay, and formerly of Atikokan, passed away peacefully at his home on August 21, 2013 surrounded by his loving family.
Ernie was born March 3, 1926 in Rainy River, Ontario. He was an honourable, kind and generous gentleman whose family meant the world to him. Growing up in FortFrances he met and married his first wife Madeleine. As a young man he enlisted in the armed services. He raised his family in Atikokan while working mainly in the mining industry and ultimately retired from Atikokan Hydro.
In 1985, he married Evelyn Ann Lapointe and they enjoyed many years together at NiobeLake in the summer and LakeWales, Florida in the winter. In later years, he spent his leisure time maintaining a meticulous yard and gathering his family and friends around him and splendid times were had by all. Ernie was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 68 years and a long time member and supporter of St. Patrick’s Parish in Atikokan. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 67 years.
He was predeceased by his first wife Madeleine Therese, his son Roy, his parents William and Mildred Toffan, his brother Allan and stepdaughter Rajanne Russow.
Ernie will always be lovingly remembered by his wife Evelyn, his beloved daughters Susan (Murray) Soderberg, Margaret (Geoff) Pattyson, Nancy (Bruce) McCarty, step-daughter Monique Robinson (Jim Adams), and stepson-in-law Jack Russow. He is also survived by his grandchildren of whom he was so proud: Eric (Kara) Soderberg, Sarah (Nathan) DeGagne, Mark Soderberg, Scott (Sarah) Pattyson, Tim (Kim) Pattyson, Ryan (Paula) Johnson, Bryce Johnson, Ernie Johnson (Amber Dolan), Courtney (Matt) Hartnett and great-grandchildren Jace, Luca and Madeleine Soderberg, Keifer and Daisy DeGagne, Owen and Claire Pattyson, and James and Michael Johnson, as well as numerous step grandchildren and great grandchildren. Also surviving is his sister Loretta (Ernie) Brunetta.
The funeral service will be held at 1:30 pm Tuesday, August 27, at St. Margaret’s Church (88 Clayte St., Thunder Bay) where the Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Ciaran Donnelly. Interment will take place at a later date in Atikokan, where he will join Madeleine.
Should friends so desire, donations may be made at the TD bank in FortFrances to the trust fund for his grandson-in-law Nathan DeGagne, who is urgently awaiting a heart transplant, or to the charity of your choice. On-line condolences may be offered at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca
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