Toivo close-ups of class photos - 3rd, 4th, and 7th grades.
I wonder what the insignia on his jacket means...

i'm deeply saddened to have just learned of toivo's passing -- and over 2 years ago now. we went through the croton school system together, from elementary school to high school graduation, after which i never saw him again as my family had moved away. upon first meeting toivo in 1st or 2nd grade i liked him immediately -- he was a big, friendly, quiet boy with a generous shock of straight blond hair and a funny name. throughout all the years i knew him was unusually respectful and kind to everyone - unlike, unfortunately, many of his classmates. it was impossible not to like him. he was also noticeably more reserved and private than most of us -- i had no idea,for example, that he was religious, as i gather he was from other comments here (though perhaps this came later), nor that he had such a deep interest in horticulture -- the only clue being when once in high school, while a few of us were talking about future plans, he said he'd like to have a flower shop, which surprised us. he kept his own counsel in those days. all i knew was that his parents had escaped before the communist takeover of estonia and managed camp rainbow... which, with his love of nature, must have been a wonderful place to grow up.
Once, us boys were playing ice hockey on the pond across the street and toivo accidentally whacked me in the head with his stick as we battled for the puck -- he took me home, his mother put antibiotic cream on it, then a trip to hospital, stitches, and black eyes for a few weeks...of course, he felt bad about it.
a bunch of us schoolboys -- toivo, me, bill webb, bruce johannson, hugh demarest, jonathan rosenberg, clay reynolds, alfred biscoglio and others would often have lunch together in the hs cafeteria and have spirited discussions about our classes, teachers, and life...
rest in peace, dear toivo, and know that your school buddies from way back remember you warmly. i look forward to meeting you again, someday, in that next world you reached before us.


Toivo in Mrs Rosenblatt's 4th grade class.

I attended  Croton High School with Toivo. Although I have not seen him since, I remember him fondly as kind, caring, and funny. He was a good person who personified a life well lived. What a beautiful memorial service!
                                                                              ~Mary Connelly

Toivo was just a teenager when his mom, Lea, introduced me to Jesus Christ. I got to know the family when I was a counsellor at Camp Rainbow in Croton. I think Toivo was the nature counsellor there one summer.

I owe that family a lot; I recently retired (sort of) as a pastor – and look forward to seeing them in God's kingdom on New Earth.

It was always a pleasure to see Toivo's friendly face at Rosedale. He had a warm and welcoming presence that will be sorely missed.

Deborah the Lema family sends our love and prayers for you and the family.
Although  we do not grieve as those who have no hope, even still we grieve. This is a tremendous loss for all who knew Toivo, Especially those closest to him. 
My heart breaks for you and the boys. May the God of all comfort bind up your wounds ♥️and give you peace that passes understanding as you navigate this time. 
 Please reach out if I can help you with anything.
Joan Lema 914 438-2875


I will miss my friend, hiking and exploring buddy and brother in the Lord.

Toivo was as extraordinarily gifted horticulturist and a pleasure to work along at Rosedale. He was kind, considerate and patient. May he memory be a blessing.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Mr. Toivo Kivisalu

11 décembre 1954 – 23 novembre 2020

Edward F. Carter Funeral Home

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