It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful
passing of Michael David Torontow at home on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 after a
long and gracious struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 65 years old,
having spent over 20 years afflicted with a disease that sapped nearly
everything out of him; everything, that is, but his courage, grace and courtesy
which remained untouched to the end.
He is survived by his best friend and wife Claire
Verney and his adoring children Anna (Darren Seed), Emily, Laura (Mike
Cicchillitti) and William (Rhian); his precious grandson Emmett Albert Michael
Seed; his mother Norma and his brother Laurence (Silvia). He will be remembered
by brother-in-law Peter Verney (Linda Barber), nieces Kristine Kakuno and Andrea Torontow, and nephew Michael Torontow.
He is predeceased by his father Cyril Torontow, sister-in-law Ann Kakuno and
her husband Fred Kakuno. We will miss him terribly.
Funeral service will be in the Sacred Space at
Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Ave, Ottawa, at 10 a.m., Friday, August 16,
2013 followed by a burial ceremony and a reception.
A memorial donation would be appreciated to Right to
Play whose mission it is to promote “the use of sport and play to educate and
empower children and youth to overcome the effects of poverty, conflict and
disease” at righttoplay.ca .
I an so sorry, Claire. I feel like I knew Michael because your prose humanized him and literally almost made him jump off the page. He was a very special man and I hope I have at least have half his bravery as I continue to grapple with this mysterious, awful disease. You are in my heart and in my prayers always. Love, Bruce.
ReplyDeleteClaire, my thoughts are with you and your family at the end of Michael's journey. Thankfully, he passed peacefully. I met him when he attended my high school in Virginia and feel that I have gotten to know you through your thoughtful and touching words. Selfishly, I hope you continue to blog through your healing, travels and getting to know your grandson better. Peace and healing to you.
ReplyDeleteNothing ever prepares you for the end of a journey like this ... I can only send my deepest sympathy's for your loss and say again that Michael was blessed to have you ... May the love and support of your family and friends and your memories give you comfort at this sad time ... Vx
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry for your loss Claire, I wish you peace and strength to get past this hard time. I came across your blog a few weeks back and found it touching and funny at times, but always extremely helpful and hopeful. My mother has Parkinson's and your words and experience helped me understand what we are all going through as a family. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteI wish much peace and healing to you and your family.