Antoine Jourdain

Antoine Jourdain, 87 - loving and beloved husband, father, and grandfather - died peacefully in his sleep on June 15, 2011. Born into a Quebec farming family in 1923 as one of 13 children, Antoine (Tony) became an accomplished entrepreneur, and eventually founder and Chairman of Specialty Care, Inc. which builds and operates nursing homes and retirement homes throughout Ontario. At age 18 Tony boarded a train in remote, rural Quebec - the only universe he knew - and headed for Toronto. He took with him great courage, irresistible charm, and a bit of carefully conserved cash; also a 7th grade education, in French; and only a nodding acquaintance with the English language.

In Toronto Tony found work rigging telephone poles, then as a steeple jack. After about five years, Tony started a construction business of his own, and enjoyed immediate and solid success on the Seaway. For twenty years, Tony devoted himself to his construction business. At the end of that period, Tony sought out other types of entrepreneurial opportunities, eventually including an investment in a long-term care facility in Keswick. In time, Tony oversaw the expansion of that investment into Specialty Care. A company which owns and manages high quality nursing homes and retirement homes, serving over 2000 Ontario seniors.

An esteemed and well loved member of The Royal Canadian Curling Club, Thornhill Country Club, and the Delray Dunes Club in Florida, Tony distinguished himself on the curling sheets, on the golf course, and at the card tables. Routinely a winner, always a gentleman, Tony will be greatly missed.

Tony is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Theresa; by his devoted children - daughters Paula Jourdain Coleman (Gerry) and Ann Matthews Magee (James), and son Raymond Jourdain (Judy); and by six admiring grandchildren - Timothy (Norah), Laura, and Stephen Matthews, Justin and Sasha Anis, and Shea McGuire. Tony is also survived by sisters Cecile and Rose.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 17, 2011 from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the R.S. Kane Funeral Home, 6150 Yonge Street (at Goulding, south of Steeles). Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 10 a.m. at St. Gabriel's Passionist Parish, 670 Sheppard Avenue East (east of Bayview, north side). Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.