MAURICE (SONNY) TOUGAS

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MAURICE (SONNY) TOUGAS On October 31, 2008, Sonny shed his worldly bonds to be a Guardian Angel to his wife Bobbie, son RJ and partner Jen (who has brought sunshine to the Tougas household); to his brothers Guy and wife Sylvia, Roland and wife Carole and his nieces and nephews. Sonny was born in Winnipeg and grew up in Dryden, ON, where he received and gained an understanding of dog husbandry at his uncle's kennel that would enrich his life to its end. Sonny worked for the Federal Government (Supply and Service) until his retirement ten years ago, where he made life long friends, who until the end were there for coffee and donuts, thank you. With his first paycheque, he purchased an English Setter puppy and so started his involvement in dogs. In the 70's he raised and showed English Cocker Spaniels which were his constant companions to the end. In 1976 he started Heatherlea Canine Education which brought thousands of people into his life. He made a point of teaching them everything he knew about dog handling. He always said If they can beat me then I have to learn more and get better at it and he did! In 1986 he started judging dog shows which he enjoyed until June, 2008. He cherished all the people he met in dogs, here and all over the world, and truly enjoyed being with them whether it be for a glass of wine or a game of golf. The brothers and sisters of Sisters of the Holy Rock came into his life seven years ago when Bobbie started singing with them. This just gave him one more reason for coffee, donuts and more people to play pool with! Sonny made so many special friends, whose children became like his own; they never could avoid his infectious laughter. Sonny gave so much to everyone, his mum Louise, Bobbie's parents, Lady and Chief, and all his adopted family ; and they were all there at the end of his life to give back. To those of you who shared dinners, lunches, coffee time, BBQs, thank you. To his harem and his Special Needs class , thank you. To our extended family who have been there day and night in every way, thank you. May you feel his hand on your shoulder, and his voice of wisdom softly in your ear. Unfortunately for many of you it will be saying If only you would learn to ...., that dog would look so much better! We have all lost a very kind and gentle friend. Immediate cremation has taken place and there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, Sonny's wish was that you take a friend for lunch.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 04, 2008