February 20, 1925 – February 24, 2011
Richard Mouat Toynbee (Dick) passed away on February 24, 2011, leaving his wife, partner and best friend of 62 years, Barbara. Dick was born on Salt Spring, February 20, 1925 to Richard and Jessie (Mouat) Toynbee. The eldest of three boys, he was predeceased by his brother Manson (Mary) in 2004 and is survived by his brother Tom (Yvonne). As Dad and Granddad, he will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his seven children — Frances, Nicola, Richard, Jane, Jessie, Katharine, and David — and their spouses and by his 20 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Dick was a true gentleman and a kind and humble friend to all those he met. His interests and passions included — in no particular order — business, politics, sailing, music, history and Salt Spring Island. He loved discussing any of the above and would freely engage in impromptu debates with anyone wishing to jump in on a subject anywhere, at any time.
During the war, Dick joined the Navy. One of his lasting regrets was his inability to go to sea because of poor eyesight. After the war, he attended UBC where he met Barbara. They were married and started a family, then moved to Terrace, in Northern B.C., where they lived very happily for 17 years. In 1967, they were pleased to move to Salt Spring and settle their family into Dick’s childhood home.
Dick liked to be involved in the community. He became a shareholder in Mouat’s Trading Co. in 1967 and helped to foster the Ganges business community on the island he so dearly loved. He was a charter member of the Salt Spring Island Rotary Club when it began with five or six men. In the 60’s and 70’s, he and Barbara hosted meetings of island boaters in their living room, which led to the formation of the Salt Spring Sailing Club. Inspired by the initial donation by his close friend, John Lees, Dick became one of the three charter trustees of the Salt Spring Foundation.
Dick also assisted in the formation of a men’s discussion group in the ‘80s that came to be known as the “Eggheads.” This group brought him enormous enjoyment, and even as his Alzheimer’s disease advanced, he was able to attend meetings through the kind efforts of his brother Tom and friend Jack Albhouse.
Dick’s presence will be greatly missed within his community of friends and family.
The entire Toynbee family would like to thank Dr Reznick and the Greenwood’s staff for the wonderful care they gave to Dick. The family also wants to thank the Salt Spring Hospice volunteers who helped provide vigil care during Dick’s last days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Greenwoods Foundation, (133 Blain Road, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 1Z9) and Salt Spring Hospice (Box 521, Salt Spring Island, V8K 2W2).
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 6, 2011, at Meaden Hall (Legion) from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Tributes and Memories will be followed by refreshments and mingling.