MICHAEL PETER TOOHEY
August 20, 1936 – May 2, 2018

Mr. Michael Peter Toohey, age 81 years, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 in St. Joseph's Hospice, with his family by his side.

Peter was born in Fort William on August 20, 1936, in the midst of the Great Depression. At the age of 15, he left home to work on the ships but continued to send money home for room and board though he was seldom there. After 2 years of seasonal work in shipping, Peter spent 2 years working in Manitouwadge mines, and subsequently with Foundation Company of Canada.

In fall of 1957, at the age of 21, Peter entered the Fort William Police Department to the shock of his former class mate and future sister-in-law. Perhaps considered more of a disturber vs keeper of peace in public school, Dad thrived in Police College with an iron trap memory and work ethic that served him well.

Starting as a “beat” officer, at a time when the number of police vehicles could be numbered on one hand, and winter issue clothing included a buffalo skin coat, Peter got to know many of the business owners during his rounds in the Simpson Street/ Victoria Avenue and Westfort areas. Peter worked in different roles during his 35 years with Fort William, and Thunder Bay Municipal Police Department. These included working as a Youth Officer, Sergeant and Staff Sergeant before finishing his career in Crime Stoppers / Media Relations.

Peter met his future wife, Dona Snider, while renting a room from her grandmother Ellen, in 1957. They were engaged on May 6, 1959 and were married in 1962, one month after Dona finished nursing school. Their first child, Tim was born in 1963, Jim in 1964 and John in 1970.

In 1968 they moved to their current Murray Avenue residence, realizing a life long dream of owning their own home. They have lived there for almost 50 years and have been pillars of the neighbourhood. In addition, the young couple also purchased an acre of raw land fronting on Lake Superior for $550 in 1970. They cleared the densely forested property and built a cabin on a shoe string budget during their days off and after work shifts. “Camp” was a modest building, yet became a source of many family adventures, and rich memories involving 4 generations.

Peter was involved in a diverse range of community organizations and was rarely involved in anything merely as a card holding member or observer. More often than not, he would be found in roles of executive leadership, stepping up to be part of the 20% that shouldered 80% of the load. He had gifts in leadership and administration and richly demonstrated love towards others through countless acts of practical service.

Some of his involvements included:
-Acting as President of Options for Youth which assisted young offenders with drug and alcohol addiction.
-A charter member initiating Big Brothers program in the Lakehead
-Active involvement with the Masons since 1969, working his way through all the chairs.
-Secretary Treasurer and President of the Pipes and Drums of Thunder Bay.
-One of the founders of Thunder Bay Police Pipes and Drums in 1984.
-Volunteer at St. Thomas Anglican Church.

For his countless hours of volunteer service, Peter received the Governor General’s medal in 2018.

In his earlier years, Peter may have been known for his impatience, temper and bullheadedness. It was always an amazing coincidence how the “idiots” would seem to hit the road whenever dad got behind the wheel of the car. One of his pet peeves was being stuck behind someone in traffic who drove “like a fart in a windstorm.”

Those rough edges were softened with 55 + years of marriage to a wife with a tender heart, yet tenacious spirit, and the quiet work of God in his life. His faith in Christ became a rich reality, and Peter became one who endeared himself to most everyone he met.

In his earlier years, Peter enjoyed hockey, curling, golf, and he was always passionate about fishing and music. He was thrilled to be involved with various pipe bands alongside some of his children, and grandchildren. Peter loved simple pleasures: a sunset, a good cup of coffee, a hug, and tickling his grandchildren mercilessly until they were breathless with laughter. Undoubtedly, his greatest earthly joy and treasure was his family.

Peter will be deeply missed by his wife of 55 years, Dona; sons Tim Toohey (Rhonda) of Edmonton, AB, Jim Toohey (Wendy) of Chilliwack, BC, and John Toohey (Karen) of Newburg, OR.; grandchildren Tamara Joy, Krista Jeanne, Jordan Michael (Erika), Kara Lynne, Ian Patrick, Jack Angus, Lauren Olivia, Samuel James and countless others who unofficially adopted Peter as a surrogate father and grandfather.. He is also survived by his sister Mary Toohey Machelak (Zygmunt); aunt Celie Agostino; sisters-in-law Glenys Huskie and Carol David (Edmond) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents John Hugh and Mabel Toohey and two younger brothers, Jackie (age 4) and James (at birth); in-laws Beatrice and Archibald Snider as well as his fishing partner and brother-in-law Jack Huskie.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 11:00am in St. Paul's Anglican Church (808 Ridgeway Street East). A private interment will take place at a later date in Mountainview Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday evening from 6:00 until 9:00pm in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James, with a Masonic Service held at 6:30pm.

Should friends so desire, donations made in memory of Peter to St. Thomas Anglican Church or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.

We give honour and thanks to God for His work in the lives of our family, and we look forward to seeing you (Peter) in Glory.

"Still my soul will sing your praise unending"

The family would like to extend deepest thanks for excellent medical care provided by Dr. Dolores Sicheri, Dr. Kathy Simpson, Dr. Kevin Ramchander, Dr. Andrew Migay, Nurse practitioner Donald Hutchinson, nurses Sara & April, Kayla (OT), Melissa (PT), Linda and the many other health care providers including those at TBRHSC, St Joseph's Hospice and Para Med health services.