Frederick John Tokaryk

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Fred Tokaryk, age 74, of Peterborough, Ontario on December 30, 2023, surrounded by loved ones at Peterborough Regional Health Centre after a short illness.

Fred was born to Nicholas and Mary (Kendra) Tokaryk in Ottawa, where he spent his childhood. He moved to Halifax for his physical education degree at Dalhousie University where he also met his best friend and wife, Nancy (Dunbrack). Active in varsity sport, Fred was selected to play defensive tackle for the Ottawa Rough Riders but returned to Halifax to be with Nancy. After university Fred taught at various schools within the Halifax Regional Schoolboard, including St. Joseph’s A. McKay, Central Spryfield and St. Catherine’s Elementary School. He owned and managed Nautilus Fitness Center on Harvard Street in Halifax, before moving the business to Dalplex.

In his free-time he was very active in the local sports, whether it was coaching minor league hockey, high school football (Halifax West, 1988) or the West End Steelers Girls Basketball team which he co-coached with Nancy for many years.

After his retirement, Fred was hardly seen without his beloved Beagle, Bagel. He traveled frequently, visiting his son, Scott, and his family in Germany. From there he experienced France, Italy (where he acquired a fondness for gnocchi), Austria, Denmark, Poland and Ukraine. Fred spent his final years in Peterborough to be close to his daughter, Sarah, and her family.

Fred was always the life of the party and loved to laugh. His granddaughters (Samantha, Nathalie, Madison and Leah) will particularly miss their Gido for his one of a kind humour which brought a smile to everyone he knew.

He was predeceased by Nancy, his parents and brother (Ted). He is survived by son Scott (Jana), daughter Sarah, sister Sue of Westport, Ontario as well as his granddaughters as well as his nieces and nephews.

Visitation with the family will be at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax on Monday, January 8 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm. A celebration of Fred’s life and reception will take place on Tuesday, January 9 at 10 am in J A Snow’s Chapel with Kevin Little officiating. Internment follows the reception at St John’s Cemetery, Fairview.

In lieu of flowers donations to Elder Dog Canada or Nancy Tokaryk Memorial Trust Fund are greatly appreciated.