Anthony Geoffrey Tooton
December 11, 1951 to February 19, 2019
Obituary
Passed peacefully away at the Palliative Care Unit of the Victoria General Hospital, Halifax, NS, on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, Anthony Geoffrey Tooton (Geoff), aged 67, of St. John’s, Newfoundland.Leaving to mourn with fond and loving memories the love of his life, wife of 44 years Jo-Anne (McGrath); his parents, Raymond and Catherine (Wyatt); son Anthony; daughter Allison Himmelman and son-in-law Stephen, granddaughters Clare and Leah, and grandson Nate; brother Frank and wife Carol; sisters Judith Tooton Pratt (the late Robert Pratt), sister Margot Bourne (John); brothers-in-law John McGrath (Eleanor), Jerome McGrath (Debbie); and sisters-in-law Patricia Kelly (Noel), Alice Donovan (Mike) and Diane McGrath (the late Joseph McGrath); as well as a wide circle of other relatives and friends especially dear friend Sharon Grant.
Geoff immersed himself in life and actively participated in a wide variety of educational, commercial and community activities. He was educated at Bishop Feild College, Ridley College, Queen’s University and, in later years earned his MBA from Athabasca University. After entering the family photo business, Tooton’s Limited, Geoff settled on a career in business. He oversaw the growth of Tooton’s throughout Newfoundland and Labrador as well as in Nova Scotia. Upon the demise of the traditional photo industry, Geoff held a number of public and private sector positions with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Irving Oil Limited, Convergys CMG Canada Limited Partnership and the Business Development Bank of Canada. During that time he rose to simultaneously serve as President of both the St. John’s Board of Trade and the Rotary Club of St. John’s. He also served as the Canadian National Chair and International Trustee of Photo Marketing Association International and sat on the Board of Governors of Ridley College, St. Catharines, Ontario. He was also involved in several other organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Society and was a co-op education advisor to the Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Education.
Geoff had a lifelong love of music and piano. He was a member of the St. John’s Athletics Association and ran several marathons. He was continuously in awe of Newfoundland and Labrador’s striking scenery, especially when hiking the East Coast Trail.
In 2016 Geoff and Jo-Anne relocated to Halifax to start a new phase of their lives including being closer to their growing family. There is something magical in being part of one’s next generation of birth and development, which they did not want to miss, and the love and bond that developed between Geoff and his three grandchildren was certainly a special one.
Having been born into the business world and feeling that he still had years to contribute by sharing his wide experience, Geoff opened the Halifax franchise of The Alternative Board International (TAB), bringing together local business owners. Geoff thoroughly enjoyed growing TAB, meeting and helping business owners, and the many new relationships he developed along the way.
Memorial service will be held Thursday, February 28 at 2:30 p.m., at Cruikshanks Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor St., Halifax, with reception to follow.
In accordance with his wishes, visitation and service, under the care of Carnell’s Funeral Home will be held this summer in St. John’s, time to be announced. Interment will follow at the St. John the Evangelist Anglican Cemetery, Spruce Hill Road, Conception Bay South.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Geoff’s memory may be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Jo-Anne and Family:
So sorry to hear you had to say goodbye to Geoff, sincere condolences to you and your Family. Thoughts and prayers with you during this difficult time.
Ms. Tooton,
Jack and I were sad to hear the news of your husband’s passing. Out thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Jennifer and Jack
Jo-Anne and family: I heard about Geoff’s passing about a week ago and I will describe my feelings this way. Very saddened. Decades ago, Geoff and I shared many long distance runs and great conversations and even greater memories as we trudged our way along the roads around St. John’s and beyond. He had an uplifting presence and I wish I’d seen him in final days. Hope to see you when you return to Newfoundland. Gerard Doran (the Brother)
My deepest condolences
Geoff and I were work colleagues during the early 2000’s. It was always interesting to be around Geoff, he had great enthusiasm for life and supreme love for his home island. I am certain his legacy will live on as he lived with such caring and energy.
Louis Labelle
To Joanne, Anthony, Allison, Raymond, Catherine, Frank, Judy, Margot,
We want to express our deepest, sympathy on the passing of Geoffrey your beloved.
We hope you will find in your hearts peace and comfort in your sorrows at this most difficult time in your lives.
We offer our prayers of comfort to you all today.
With deepest sympathy,
Richard Eddy, Danette, and family
To Margot and family.
We are very sorry to hear of your brother’s passing.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda and David Leonard
To The Tooton family
My condolences to one of our province’s businessmen, gentlemen, and a nice person.
I met Mr Tooton some 40 years ago when I was employed at the family business on Cabot Street. Geoff always treated not only me but everyone he came in contact with respect. A few months ago I chatted with Geoff thru email. The first time we chatted in almost 40 years. He was very interested asking me about my life. I am glad I had this distinct pleasure.
Once again please accept our condolences.
Steve , Diane and family.
Joanne:
We are deeply saddened by the news of Geoff’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences to you, Anthony, Allison & Stephen and your grandchildren. Many memories of Geoff (or “Flash” as he was affectionately known as by the boys) on our group runs around the city, the many road races and club socials. A very kind and gentle man who was respected by all who came to know him and he will be sadly missed. God Bless.
Gary & Brenda Warren
Jo-Anne and family. I met Geoff when he and I were members of the running community in St. John’s. We ran together two days a week for many years. We discovered that we had a mutual friend Michael Carlevale who lived in Toronto and Cape Cod. So sorry to hear of Geoff’s passing.
Condolences from Darryl and Cindy Short. Some great memories from my early career with Tooton’s in Corner Brook and spending time with Geoff and Jo-Anne! Thinking of you!
Dear Frank & Carol,
So sorry to learn of Geoff’s passing. May fond memories ease the pain as you grieve your loss.
Sincere sympathy to you and all the family.
Esther
Jo-Anne
We were saddened to hear of your husband’s passing. Sincere condolences to you and your family.
to the Tooton and McGtath families
sorry to hear about Geoff
Brian Grant
To the Tooton family:
We are saddened to hear of Geoff’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time.
Ann & Barry Bridger & Family
Condolences to Jeff’s family and friends- with remembrances of many fine chats as we ran the rods and trails of St. john’s.
Grace and Peace
George LeDrew
to the Tooton and McGtath families, I was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Geoff. Know that you are in my prayers and those of the Parish of St. Patrick’s this weekend. Eternal rest grant unto Geoff O Lord, and may he rest in peace. Fr. John E. Fcey
So sorry to learn about Geoff. He was a fine man and a real pillar of the community here in St. John’s.
Very sorry to hear of Geoff’s passing. Geoff was a valued member of the TAB community and showed his to support consistently to his few business owners. He will be truly missed.
Ray and Cap please accept our deepest sympathy on Geoffrey’s passing
David & Bonnie Cook
To the Tooton family,
I am very sorry to hear of Geoff’s passing. He was always a very friendly and welcoming neighbour who obviously enjoyed his family very much.
Thoughts are with you all.
Jim Haynes
I am so sorry to hear of Geoff’s passing. He was a great man. One of my first boss
at Tootons when I started working. So sorry for your families loss. He will be remembered and missed so much.
Joanne and Family,
Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are truly sorry to hear this news today.
by, Ida Engram , Dale Abbott and your friends at Hair Factory
.
Joanne, Allison, Anthony & Grandchildren.
‘Some people make your laugh a little louder, Your smile a little brighter and your life a little better…’ from what I know and what I’ve heard, this seems to have been your Geoff. You have been blessed to have had him in your lives all this time.
My condolences.
Jo Anne and family……So very sorry to hear of Geoff’s passing…Our heartfelt condolences to you all and may happy memories help you in this sad time !
It’s never easy losing a loved one, but for the relatively short amount of time I knew Geoff, I’m positive that you have enough loving memories of him, to last you a lifetime. I’ll always remember his Christmas Eve pot-lucks & how welcoming he was as he opened the front door. Take care of one another…I’m truly sorry for your loss xo
I was very shocked and saddened to read of Geoff’s passing. I first met Geoff while he was with Irving Oil, and after that he kept in touch from time to time. My sincerest condolences to Jo Anne and his children. Geoff was a very kind and thoughtful man who made a positive impression on many. Regards
I’m so very sorry to hear about your loss. I knew Geoff from his time attending classes at the gym I work at in St. John’s. What a wonderful individual he was, he always had a smile on his face and such a wonderful sense of humour. I’m sure the days ahead will be difficult, but may the memories of Geoff provide many moments of love and happiness.
Cap and Ray: I am so very sorry to hear of Geoff’s passing. I remember the days when John and I visited you in Topsail when Geoff was a little boy. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Jo-Anne
So sorry to hear of Jeff’s death. I have nice memories of both of you from my Rotary days and his death at such an early age is very sad. He was a fine gentleman and he will be missed by all who knew him. My condolences to you and family.
My prayers go out to you.
Fred Taylor
Frank, Carol and the Tooton family.
Sorry to learn of your brother Geoff’s death. Sincere condolences from St. John’s to the Bruele Shore.
Chuck Bruce
Judith sorry to hear about your brother.Treasure the memories which will guide you through the difficult days ahead!!
To Margot & all the Tooton Family
I am so sorry to learn of Geoff’s passing.
I have many fond memories of my years working
with your family. Deepest condolences.
Margie Pike
I was very saddened to hear of Geoff’s passing.
Geoff and I were in the same class at Bishops and became good friends. We had many good times and although our lives took different paths I always remembered Geoff.
Allison and family,
I’m so saddened by the loss of your father at such a young age. The obituary is beautiful and shows that he lived an amazing life and was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. May he rest in peace and God bless all of you.
Dear JoAnne and Family, Mr. and Mrs. Tooton, Frank, Judy and Margot and John,
I am very sad to hear that Jeff’ has passed away. I have great memories of Topsail get togethers and watching us all grow up. My fondest memory though is before Jeff and Jo-Anne’s move to Halifax. I was setting out on a new semi retirement path and I asked Jeff if we could chat. Jeff and I met at Coffee Matters and had a great visit and he shared a lot of great advice. Jeff was looking forward to the move closer to his children and grandchildren. His new board venture sounded fascinating. Jeff was very generous with his time and very kind. My love and sincerest condolences to you all.
Jo-Anne, children and Tooton Family. Very sorry to hear of the passing of Geoff. Remember and cherish the wonderful memories. I’ll say a little prayer tonight.
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Geoff’s passing. Geoff was a longtime member of our past running club The St. John’s Athletics and was a friend to all. Geoff’s outgoing personality and sense of humor will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
So sad to hear of the passing of Geoff. He was such a kind and caring man. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Cheers
Linda O’Reilly
Deepest condolences on the passing of Geoff..May he rest in peace.
Margo and family, I am so sorry to hear of your brother’s passing at a young age. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Sincerely, Sandra & David Mowat (Strong)