F. Stewart ‘Stew’ Toll

October 31, 2019

Home Obituaries F. Stewart ‘Stew’ Toll

Peacefully at home on Thursday, October 31, 2019, F. Stewart ‘Stew’ in his 87th year. Beloved husband of Leba Silvert. Treasured father and friend of Terry (Henrietta), of London, and Warren (Sandra), of Oakville. Also survived by four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Stew will be sadly missed by his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Predeceased by parents Frederick and Laura (Stewart) Toll; sisters Marjorie McDougall and Amy MacCrostie; and brother Aubrey. He was the last surviving member of his siblings.

Stew was a well-known and respected educator: beginning at age sixteen as a teacher in a one-room school, principal, professor, superintendent, and retiring as Director of Education for the Middlesex County Board of Education. In 1988 he established Exemplary Education Consultants, providing education advisory services locally, provincially, nationally and internationally. Significant among these was his seven-year advisory assignment to the Bermuda Ministry of Education. He ended his career providing Expert Witness Services to Ontario legal firms.

Stew proudly served his country on two occasions: with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Reserve; and was recruited by the Canadian Government to serve in Nairobi, Kenya for two years developing educational courses for the nation’s Headmasters.

Stew’s passion for music was lifelong. An accomplished saxophonist by age 15, he played with dance and concert bands throughout the region, and in later years became proficient on the bagpipes.

He was president of several local and provincial education organizations, and served on the Ministry of Education’s Special Education Advisory Council for three years. His contribution to education was recognized by Canada’s Prime Minister, the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Education – Bermuda, and many other related groups.

A special thank you to Dr. Darren Van Dam, nurses Sandy and Paula Day, all of the Ilderton Family Medical Clinic, for the outstanding care and support they provided to Stew and his wife Leba through Stew’s journey.

A Celebration of Life will be conducted at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at 2:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior, Rev. Dr. Sheila Macgregor officiating. Interment at Blyth Union Cemetery on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Stew are asked to consider the F. Stewart Toll Music Award or a charity of choice. 

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(Donated to F. Stewart Toll Music Award)

~ Tara & Derek McAllister

(Donated to F. Stewart Toll Music Award)

~ Peggy Vere

(Donated to F. Stewart Toll Music Award)

~ Joanne Good

(Donated to F. Stewart Toll Music Award)

~ Susan Merskey

(Donated to F. Stewart Toll Music Award)

~ Martha Dundas

(Donated to F. Stewart Toll Music Award)

~ C. Yong Kang

(Donated to F. Stewart Toll Music Award)

~ Suzi & John LaPorta

(Donated to F. Stewart Toll Music Award)

~ Pauline &Danny Piacampo

Dear Leba Derek and I were very sad to learn about Stew's passing. I wish we could have attended his memorial to pay our respects to you and your family and hear more about the impact he had on young students and education. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers and nearby if you need anything. Thinking of you Tara, Derek, Cole & Grace

~ Tara & Derek McAllister

Leba. Our sympathy to you. You and Stew were helpful with my educational career. Our thoughts are with you! Kay and Campbell Brown

~ Campbell and Kay Brown

Dear Terry and Warren, we were saddened and surprised to hear of the loss of your father. We have many great memories of you growing up across the street. Your Dad was a good neighbour. It has been many years since our paths have crossed, please accept our sincere condolences.

~ Jim and Dianne Kehoe

I had known Stew for more than 30 years and something he left with me: First Class! May he live in 'The Wonder Of It All' for perpetuity. My condolences to Leba, Terry, Warren and their families.

~ David E Tonner

Stew was my "Master" at Windsor Teachers College in 1968-69 after he had just returned from Africa. I will always remember the "talk" he gave me, telling me to settle down and get serious. When he was appointed Superintendent in Middlesex at the end of the year he offered me a position in Lambeth. Although I didn't take it I will always be grateful to Stew for his guidance and encouragement. My sympathies to Stew's family.

~ George Merrett

Dear Terry, Henrietta and Warren, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father and father in law. He was a wonderful friend and neighbour to our family when we both lived in Westmount. We will never forget his infectious smile. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.

~ Bill & Julie Smyrnios (Bujouves)

Leba, I am so sorry for your loss! He was a special person and you both meant a great deal to my mom and dad. When I think of Stew I think of great music and laughter emanating from our livingroom. My sincere condolences!

~ Bill Knapp

Leba and family. So sorry to hear of Stu passing. Don so enjoyed working with Stu in Bermuda. My deepest sympathy to all.

~ Mary Margaret Prowse

Stew and Jack had mutual cousins, so we have followed the lives of the Toll family over the years, and got to know Stew a bit better after he retired to London. He played the bagpipes for us at a Remembrance Day service at Vintage Green in Ilderton when we lived there. Stew gave us a copy of his Memoirs "The Wonder of it All" in 2005, and it is a fascinating read. He will be sadly missed by many. Our condolences to Stew's family.

~ Jack and Betty Southen

My Dear Friend Warren, I am very sorry to hear about Stew's passing. Please pass on my condolences to Terry and Sandra. Sending my love, Your brother Mike.

~ Mike Curran

We would like to offer our condolences to the Toll family. We were neighbours for many years at 2 different locations and in later years looked forward to their holiday letter. He will certainly be missed.

~ Wayne Senft/Marilyn Nash

I was a student of Stewarts in the one room school when he was 16. I remember the singing we did for music festivals and Christmas concerts and him playing his sax for us. Fun times. Condolences to the family.

~ Joan (Mills) Schmidt

Dear Leba: My condolences on the loss of Stewart. We had a good working relationship at Orchestra London in the early nineties, and I was happy we kept up occasionally after that. An outstanding person, whom I was glad to know. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.

~ Sheila Martindale

Dear Leba, Suzi and I were very saddened to learn of Stewart's passing. Our hearts go out to you and your family over the loss of this wonderful man. Our deepest condolences.....

~ Suzi & John LaPorta

Warren and Sandra Sincere condolences on the loss of your father. We were never fortunate enough to meet your father but he sounded Like a wonderful man and father. I see a resemblance of you in him. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

~ Pauline & Danny Piacampo

Terry, Henrietta and family: So sorry to hear of your loss. Our sincere condolences.

~ Peter & Brenda Haist

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