Selborne Emerson Eccleston

How do we express the full impact of a man who meant so much to so many? The Legend, Selborne Emerson Eccleston, affectionately known as “Bunny”, “Poppi” and “Pops” passed peacefully with his family by his side, while recovering from a stroke on Friday January 9, 2026 at Toronto Western Hospital. He is survived by his children Handel, Lorelei, Robin and Adrian, his grandchildren Tyler (Lauren), Courtney (Ryan), Maxwell, Jenna and Lauren, his great grandchildren, Theodore (2-years), Emerson (7 days) and a new arrival to come in March 2026. He is also survived by his siblings Ena and Leon.

Bunny has gone to rest with his dear wife “Mama Bear” Marie, his brothers Carlton and Cliff, and half-sisters, Bernel and Glenda, along with his many dear sisters and brothers in Christ.

Selborne/Bunny will be remembered as the finest of gentlemen, with the strength of a thousand and a Christ-like loving heart and soul. He was a devoted family man and up until his hospitalization, cooked Sunday dinner for his entire family, always looking forward to seeing everyone gathered around the dining table. He enjoyed every minute spent together as a family. As a retired Customs Broker, he will be most remembered for his commitment to God and his church family at Ossington Avenue Baptist where he sat on several committees and served as Deacon, Lifetime church Trustee, Audio-Visual Technician and Chorister.

He loved baking cakes with his patented icing recipe for every single child, grandchild, great grandchild, spouse, girlfriend and boyfriend to celebrate their day and always sending cards signed off with “all God’s best.” Sel loved music and made sure to instill the gift of music to each of his children. He loved attending music events and concerts, especially when his children were competing for awards at music festivals at a young age or on stage as seasoned musicians. He loved his home where, as first and only home-owner he resided for 64 years! He loved being independent and still drove through the busy streets of Toronto right up until New Year’s Eve of 2025 days before his passing. He loved his two cats Nitro and Cornelius who are already missing their favourite human.

The Eccleston siblings express a deep gratitude to the entire 6A stroke unit and staff at Toronto Western Hospital especially nurses Algin, Janice, TJ, Anna (1) and Anna (2) for their compassionate care as well as countless other staff who also looked after Pops.

Visitation will be held on Friday January 23, 2026 from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home (6191 Yonge St.) North York, just south of Steeles Ave. on the east side of Yonge St.

The Funeral Service will take place on Saturday January 24, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Ossington Avenue Baptist Church (720 Ossington Ave.) located on the south/west corner of Ossington Ave. and Bloor St. including a final visitation at Ossington Avenue Baptist Church from 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM.

Condolences may be left on Kane-Jerrett’s Funeral Home’s website Kane-Jerrett Condolences for Selborne Eccleston.

Should you wish, a donation can be made to Ossington Avenue Baptist Church through the following link Ossington Avenue Baptist Church Donation or, a donation can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation on behalf of Selborne Eccleston (select the checkbox for “Yes this is an In Honour or In memory gift”). Finally, there will be a sympathy card drop box provided at the Visitation and Church.

So for now we say, “see you later alligator, T.T.F.N, ta-ta for now!” Enjoy your reunion with Mama Bear who’s missed you for so long. Have fun chatting with all of your family and friends. Most of all, rest in eternal peace with God who gave you, and us the gift of 93 exceptional years of life. Your presence is and will always be deeply missed.