TOBY: Michael Edwin Donovan
Peacefully at home on Sunday, March 4, 2018 at the age of 55 years. Beloved son of Pamly & the late Dr. Gordon A. Toby. Loving brother of Maureen (Chigosim) Okpala, Thea (Al) Toby-Robinson, Keon Toby, and the late Bevan. Michael will be fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, church family and friends. Michael was the minister with Selkirk Church of Christ for 25 years, was a professional singer, and teacher. He will be sorely missed. Funeral Service will be held at the Church of Christ, 58 Erie St. N., Selkirk on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 1 pm. with visitation starting at 11:30 am. Cremation to follow. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Church of Christ. www.rhbanderson.com
Condolences
Posted by
Sarah B King
on
Mar 7th, 2018
Mr. Toby will be missed. We have so many fond memories of singing with his beautiful voice leading the way. So sad to hear of his passing but he has gone on to his reward and we are so glad he did not suffer. Please give my condolences to his family. He was an awesome Godly man and we will cherish our memories with him always.
Posted by
John "Buck" Anger
on
Mar 8th, 2018
To Michael's family my sincere condolences to an incredibly man. I had the pleasure taking some voice coaching from Michael many years ago he was supportive and encouraging. A group of us went to a seniors home to do a Christmas concert and Michael marvelous version of the Ave Maria a capella.
RIP
Buck
Posted by
Suzanne Chuck
on
Mar 8th, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with Michael's family. May his soul Rest in peace.
Posted by
Brenda Tedesco
on
Mar 8th, 2018
Michael will be Forever Loved Forever remembered by all those that knew him. We quickly became friends when were neighbors at the lake. We were not just friends Michael was part of of our family. He enjoyed all the crazy parties we had and the Italian food we shared and would sing Italian opera songs. He loved to play bocci but hated to loose. He would go on long walks with my son Mathew and his girlfriend Alyson and of course the dogs. They would sit by the fire late at night and have long talks. We will miss seeing him kayak on the lake. I will miss or frequent talks your kindness and love. We had the pleasure of meeting Thea and Nicholas and enjoyed cooking meals together, playing bocci with them and enjoying their company. We became one big happy family. Michael will always be in my heart, sing with the Angels my friend.
Posted by
Lisa
on
Mar 8th, 2018
So sorry to hear of Michael's passing. He entertained us many times in our Long Term Care Home in Stoney Creek and the staff and Residents all enjoyed his beautiful voice and interesting stories. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Posted by
Phillip & Dawne Jeffrey
on
Mar 9th, 2018
So sad to hear of Michael's passing. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers to the family. May his soul rest in peace.
Posted by
Hannah Lawrance
on
Mar 9th, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with Michael's family, he came to Norview Lodge many times to share his beautiful voice and interesting stories. God Bless.
Posted by
Jo-Ann Murrell
on
Mar 9th, 2018
Aunty Pamly and family please accept our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Posted by
Richard Van Huizen
on
Mar 9th, 2018
My thoughts and prayers to the Toby family. We were blessed to hear his voice in the nursing home over the mast several years and his witness about God. Saddened by his loss
Richard
Posted by
Mark & Colleen Laing
on
Mar 9th, 2018
We were stunned to hear of Michael's passing. We had the privilege of meeting him at our cottage on Blue Water. His etrnally calm and happy disposition along with his warm singing voice will be only a few of the many things we will miss. Selkirk has lost a wonderful man of God, a gentle spirit a good friend. Bless you Mike and your family and the church you faithfully served. Our bonfires on Blue Water will miss you dearly!
Posted by
Charlene and Mom
on
Mar 9th, 2018
Aunty Pamly, Thea and family, There are no words to express how saddened Mom and I are by Michael’s passing. Please know that our prayers and healing thoughts are being sent your way to comfort you and the family at this difficult time. Charlene & Mom
Posted by
Louise Coffey
on
Mar 9th, 2018
My thoughts and prayers go to Michael’s family and friends.
Posted by
Darrell Johnson
on
Mar 10th, 2018
I became friends with Michael for a time when I had first moved to Montreal. He introduced me to the music of Sting and of George Michael, two of his favourite singers at the time. I lost touch with Michael in the intervening years after I moved to Toronto in 1986...but I still remember him as a talented singer but especially, warm, witty, and loyal friend to me during that time in my life.
Posted by
Sue Walsh
on
Mar 10th, 2018
We will miss Michael's beautiful voice at Queens Garden Long Term Care where he brought joy to our residents and staff. I will never forget the first time I heard Michael sing. He brought me to tears. My deepest condolences for this tremendous loss. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Posted by
Laurie Drew
on
Mar 10th, 2018
Toby performed several times at St. Paul's United Church in Tillsonburg to benefit our Community Kitchen programme to feed the hungry. His concerts were always greatly enjoyed and reviewed by the attendees. We will really miss Toby's beautiful voice and charming presentations. Our thoughts and prayers are will Toby's fmaily and other friends.
Posted by
Keely
on
Mar 10th, 2018
Mr. Toby had a voice of an Angel and entertained the Residents and families at Ridgeview beautifully. My condolences to his family thank you for sharing your wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend with all who enjoyed his performance’s. God bless this gentle man RIP
Posted by
Walter Kornelson
on
Mar 10th, 2018
My prayers go out to Michael's family. He was a super singer. A super person. And above all, a friend. R.I.P.
Posted by
Wendy Dobson
on
Mar 11th, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of Michael's sudden passing. I had the honor of singing with him several times and he was so talented and always incredibly positive, supportive and creative. He truly followed his passions in life and embraced every moment with light and vigor. He will be truly missed.
Posted by
Cyndi Gardner
on
Mar 12th, 2018
On behalf of all the residents at Chartwell Niagara who so desperately looked forward to when he was coming to perform. He brought such talent, stories and warmth to all. This is a huge loss for all, such a kind hearted soul. A loss for this world but a gain for another.
Posted by
Schlegel Villages
on
Mar 12th, 2018
On behalf of the residents and team members at Schlegel Villages who have been blessed by Michael's voice. Our condolences to his family and friends, we truly appreciated his passion, stories and care at the Villages. You are all in our hearts at this time and will be kept in our prayers and in our song.
Posted by
Edgewater Gardens
on
Mar 13th, 2018
Please accept our sincere condolences, on behalf of the residents and staff at Edgewater Gardens in Dunnville. Michael had the most wonderful voice which everyone loved. He will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Posted by
Lauretta A
on
Mar 14th, 2018
To Michael's Family,
So sorry for your loss. Michael was one who loved God, the ministry, loved people and loved life. People like him with a self sacrificing spirit would have touched many lives for good. Death is indeed man's greatest enemy but please take heart in knowing that there's one more powerful than death, our dear God and Father. His promises for the future brings hope and comfort to the mourning ones.Soon God promises an end to death, tears, pain and suffering...Revelation 21:3-4, Isaiah 25:8. More comforting is God's promise to bring back to life our loved ones who are sleeping in death. They will return to life on a beautiful earthly paradise in health, strength, and peace forever without the fear of death ever again...Acts 24:15, Psalms 347:11,29.
May these sure promises bring you hope, peace and joy, may it help you cope and may the beautiful memories you shared with Michael keep you going.
Best Wishes,
Lauretta.
Posted by
Jody Clarke
on
Mar 19th, 2018
I have known Michael Toby for years. We formed a friendship during our years of work together. He touched many lives and always had a presence about him that was admirable and passionate. I wish his friends and family healing, peace but to also celebrate his life and his work. Many regards, Jody Clarke-Director of Programs and Support Services-Grace Villa LTC
Posted by
Althea-Maria Papoulias
on
May 19th, 2018
I met Michael on our first day of music studies, in our first class at McGill University 1985. Our quickly growing friendship became one of the most precious friendships I’ve had in my life. He was honorable, funny, gently honest, a ray of sunshine. He planted the seeds of relationship with the Lord and they took root. I was never able to thank him for that. His kindness and sacrifice to help others made a deep imprint on me. I read with great sadness about his early passing today, but he is in the greatest hands. My deepest condolences to his family and all who were blessed to know him and who are missing him. Michael, thank you for your dear friendship and I pray we meet again.
Posted by
Sarah
on
Jun 12th, 2018
I'm terribly Sorry to hear This. I am the new Activities Coordinator at Guelph Lake commons and I have never met Michael and saw he was booked a couple times at the end of this month but I could not get a hold of him with the information I had. I am only assuming this has to be the same guy. Im not Sure, but maybe someone could confirm for me? :(
Posted by
Cathy (kilgore) Flear
on
May 8th, 2020
To the family, my deepest condolences. I discovered Michael's passing when I tried to contact him regarding a recording of a duet that he and my daughter, Suzanne Kilgore, made (I think that it was in 2006) It is a beautiful rendition of "Addio la terra" from the opera 'AIDA" by Verdi
My beautiful daughter passed away in Dec. 2018 at age 42 (looking about 25). She had, despite many roadblocks in her life, achieved excellence. I do not want her voice to be "lost", so I am hoping if possible to get a free website so that those who wish to connect with her on a spiritual level are able to hear her still. I cannot bear having her reduced to silence when she can still inspire The live performance with Michael is on this personal cd (They never have, and never will be for sale) and I would be happy to send you a cd so that you have this beautiful duet.
Please contact me if you would like me to send you one, and let me know if I can include the duet on the website if I am able to get one. The e-mail address was entered above. We are also "listed" under D. Flear in Beeton ON. I look forward to hearing from you. Sharing your sadness, Catherine Flear