Mr. William Merton Brian Toole

The love of my life and best friend went home to his Heavenly Father after a brief cancer journey. Brian was so thankful for the love and care of family, including church family, and friends throughout his cancer journey. He maintained a positive attitude and said he’d be cured one way or the other… on earth or in heaven! Visitors were always greeted with a smile and great wonder that they would take the time to visit and pray with him. He was always interested in getting to know you, your story, and hear about recent happenings in your life. Brian loved Jesus and loved people, always striving to serve others and grow in his faith.

Brian Toole was the son of Ormond and Blanche Toole and older brother to Brenda. He was raised in Mount Albert, Ontario, on a farm that grew predominantly corn. His Uncle Arnott, who farmed with his brother Ormond, was a key influence in Brian’s life.

Brian and Gwen met at the University of Toronto, married and moved west to Saskatoon in 1980 so Brian could start his job with DuPont Canada. He was blessed with a fulfilling sales, R&D and marketing career in agricultural products, seed and short-line farm machinery. The various jobs took him to many places in Western Canada, Mississauga ON, and farm shows in mid-west USA. In retirement, Brian took on summer work for a few years as a hail insurance adjuster which gave him more opportunities to commune with farmers and get out into the field, which he loved.

His servant leadership heart led him to devote many hours to volunteering with the Canadian Cancer Society – Relay for Life and serving in many church ministries. Brian was the neighbourhood snow angel and could always be found on the street throughout the year having a confab with the neighbours.

Brian’s faith journey started later in life and became a focal point. He grew to love Jesus and extend that love to everyone, always striving to serve others and seek growth in his faith. He was blessed with many mentors and was grateful for how they spoke into his life.

Brian’s passing leaves behind Gwen, his wife of 44 years, his sister Brenda Toole (Russ Evans), his mother-in-law Betty Higuchi, brothers-in-law Cliff (Roxanne) Higuchi and Geoff (Danielle) Higuchi, and sisters-in-law Cheryl (John) Van Herk and Charlene Jones, numerous nieces, nephews and their children, cousins, and many friends who he loved dearly. He was predeceased by his parents Ormond and Blanche Toole and brother-in-law Bill Jones.

We’d like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Cyprian Enweani and all the wonderful caring doctors, nurses and staff at RUH, the Saskatoon Cancer Centre, and the SPH Palliative Care unit.

A Celebration of Brian’s Life will be held on Saturday, September 14 at 10:30 am at Circle Drive Alliance Church in Saskatoon. In his honour, please wear red, plaid or both! Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation – Palliative Care Unit sphfoundation.org.