Obituary of W. Douglas Tobin

Tobin, W. Douglas – It is with great sadness that his family wishes to announce the passing of William Douglas “Toby” Tobin C.D. of 15 Alpine Street, Saint John, NB, on February 11, 2008 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born at Sydney Mines, NS, on September 6, 1920, he was a son of the late William and Mary (MacDonald) Tobin, and husband of the late Verna Theresa (Doucette) Tobin who predeceased him in 1992. Besides his wife and parents, Doug was predeceased by a sister, Winnifred (aged 6) and a brother Garfield (aged six months). Toby served in the Canadian Army Active Force under the Cape Breton Highlanders for five and one half years during World War II, serving in England and Italy while attached to the Canadian Auxiliary Services. During his time in Italy, he participated in the 1944 Commonwealth Games, winning several medals in track and field events. After the war, he continued to serve as a member of the 1st Battalion RNBR Army Reserve, obtaining the rank of Company Quartermaster Sergeant. In his religious life, he was an active member of St. John the Baptist Parish, the CYO, the Legion of Mary, and the Holy Name Society. Later at St. Ann’s Parish, he was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus, Father Eugene O’Leary Council 6595. In recognition of his years of service, he received an honorary life membership. He was employed for many years with McAvity Crane Canada in Saint John. He was also active in various sports, both as a player and coach. He was co-founder of the Industrial Institutional Hockey League which later became the current East West Suburban Hockey League. Toby is survived by his sister Elaine Tobin of North Sydney, NS; one cousin, Louise McKinnon (MacDonald) of Halifax, NS, as well as his ten children, Ann Marie Sautier (Edward) of Halifax, Paula Cormier (Jocko), Richard (Kathy), Robert (Esther), Miriam Irwin (Brad) of Ottawa, Ontario, Thomas (Carol), Theresa Arseneault (Jerry), William (Carol), Mary Golding (Chris), and Sandra Mazerolle (Ted); 28 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. His children acknowledge the sacrifices and love given to each one over his lifetime. Rest easy Dad!!!! We will miss you. Resting at Brenan’s Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB, (506-634-7424) with visiting on Tuesday from 7-9 PM and Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 AM from St. Ann’s Church, Glen Falls. Following cremation interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. At Dad’s request, in lieu of flowers, remembrances to St. Ann’s Church Building Fund would be appreciated.