ERNEST TOFFAN

Ernest Roy Toffan, 87, a resident of Thunder Bay, Ont. and formerly of Atikokan, Ont., passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013.
Ernie was born March 3, 1926 in Rainy River, Ont.
He was an honourable, kind, and generous gentleman whose family meant the world to him. Growing up in Fort Frances, Ont., he met and married his first wife, Madeleine.
As a young man, he enlisted in the armed services. He raised his family in Atikokan while working mainly in the mining industry and ultimately retired from Atikokan Hydro.
In 1985, he married Evelyn Ann Lapointe and they enjoyed many years together at Niobe Lake in the summer and Lake Wales, Fla. in the winter.
In later years, he spent his leisure time maintaining a meticulous yard and gathering his family and friends around him, and splendid times were had by all.
Ernie was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 68 years and a long-time member and supporter of St. Patrick’s Parish in Atikokan. He also was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 67 years.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Madeleine Therese; son, Roy; parents, William and Mildred Toffan; brother, Allan; and stepdaughter, Rajanne Russow.
Ernie always will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Evelyn; beloved daughters, Susan (Murray) Soderberg, Margaret (Geoff) Pattyson, and Nancy (Bruce) McCarty; stepdaughter, Monique Robinson (Jim Adams); stepson-in-law, Jack Russow; and sister-in-law, Dorleen Toffan.
He also is survived by his grandchildren, of whom he was so proud, Eric (Kara) Soderberg, Sarah (Nathan) DeGagne, Mark Soderberg, Scott (Sarah) Pattyson, Tim (Kim) Pattyson, Ryan (Paula) Johnson, Bryce Johnson, Ernie Johnson (Amber Dolan), and Courtney (Matt) Hartnett; and great-grandchildren, Jace, Luca, and Madeleine Soderberg, Keifer and Daisy DeGagne, Owen and Claire Pattyson, and James and Michael Johnson; as well as numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Also surviving is his sister, Loretta (Ernie) Brunetta.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Margaret’s Church, 88 Clayte St., Thunder Bay, with Rev. Ciaran Donnelly as celebrant.
Interment will take place at a later date in Atikokan Cemetery, where he will join Madeleine.
Should friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the donation/trust fund at the Toronto Dominion Bank in Fort Frances for his grandson-in-law, Nathan DeGagne, who urgently is awaiting a heart transplant, or to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be offered at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca