Francis John Joseph O'Toole

Francis J.J. O’Toole

North Sydney

We the family are very saddened and heartbroken to announce the peaceful passing of Francis John Joseph O’Toole, our dear father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle, on Friday February 8, 2019 at the Northside General Hospital, surrounded by his loving children and grandchildren.

Born in Point Tupper, June 26, 1930, Francis was the son of the late Joseph Henry and Marguerite O’Toole. Dad was a very kind and generous man, quiet by nature, loved by all who had the pleasure of meeting and knowing him. Always there to lend a hand to help others. He was a very humble man. He began his career with Canadian National Railway in Sydney, then moved to North Sydney and worked as a ramp operator with Marine Atlantic until his retirement. Through his job he met many friends whom he had until the end. Especially a very dear close friend Gordon “Wedgie” McLeod. Thank you so much for your unending love and support in being Dad’s best friend. We will never forget it. Many Saturday nights you and Dad watched the hockey game sharing a drink of Smugglers Cove.

Dad was an avid hunter and fisherman, he loved spending time at his cabin in Margaree, that he shared with friends Gordon McLeod, Allison McLeod, Allan Dick, Louis Marple and Walter Ford. He loved fishing in Middle River, ice fishing, hunting and snaring rabbits. At Christmas we enjoyed the tradition of having the best rabbit pie ever. He also kept a beautiful vegetable garden, where he loved to spend his time and then give away the produce to his friends. He loved listening to Scottish and Irish Music and old country. He loved to come home from work at night and play his music for hours.

Dad is survived by his daughters; Shauna and Helen O’Toole, Ursulina (Brent) Crocker, Cyrilla (Mike) Raftus, his sons: Terry (Brenda) O’Toole and Blaine (Shelley) O’Toole, nine grandchildren Sean, Lee, Grant, Kale, Kelsey, Jenna, Ryan, Michaela, Nicole, five great grandchildren Catolina, Logan, Maddie, Havyn and Mason. Also surviving are his sisters Hilda Kinney, Helen O’Toole, Millie (Clifford) DeCoste and brothers Lawrence (Vera) O’Toole and Raymond O’Toole.

Besides his parents Francis was predeceased by a son Ronald Travis in infancy, by his brothers Leonard, Ronald and Danny O’Toole.

The family would like to thank Dad’s family doctors, Dr. Marek Knott, Dr. Alexander Wawer, Dr. Islam, Radiologist , Dr. Asim, Urologist, Dr. Peter Poulos, Palliative Care, nurses and staff of Vascular Lab, Day Surgery recovery nurses and Emergency Dept. at Cape Breton Regional Hospital and Emergency Dept and nurses on 5east at Northside General Hospital for the special care you all gave our Dad. You were all angels and we were blessed to have you caring for our Dad at the final stage of his life.

Also special thanks to the nurses and staff of the Northside Community Guest Home, you were his second family and went above and beyond your call of duty in caring for our Dad. He was so happy there. Dad rest in peace you will be missed.

By request there will be no visitation. A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. Arrangements have been entrusted to W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wjdooley.com .

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