JOHN (JOCK) ARTHUR TOOLEY

Condolences & Memories (19 entries)

• My sincere condolences to Susan and her family at this most difficult time. Many times over the years thoughts to childhood friends come to mind - and you ponder. The last time I ran into Susan was in a Doctor's office and she had mentioned she had found happiness with Jock. So many years ago - but obviously a happy union. - Posted by: Jennifer Matthews (Milne) (childhood friend) on: Dec 03, 2013

• I just found out about Jock's passing a few days ago after I came back from a month in Europe. I have been shocked and devastated since. I met Jock coincidentally nearly 20 years ago. At that time, after a very short and I thought, a dry conversation, he looked at me and said : “Who are you? I want to hire you”. Jock changed my life and I wouldn’t be who I am today without knowing him. He was my dear mentor, friend, and a colleague. About 15 years ago, when I wasn’t sure if my brother is going to make it and stay alive, Jock was there for me. When I couldn’t sleep nor breathe, Jock offered his support by offering me his office with a spectacular bird view of Winnipeg, and offered me his company while working to distract my worrisome thoughts. His words at that time were: “Just sit here, don’t move, don’t talk, just listen, learn from me, use me, try not to think about your brother. It won’t change anything, it will get solved eventually” It is all blurry now but Jock is and always will be a part of my brother’s “re-birth”. Jock is a very special person. He loved mathematics and believed that everything in this world is based and coordinated by it. Jock was very private but shared his significant life moments and thoughts with those he trusted. I feel privileged to be one of them. Even though Jock was my mentor for years, I feel I became a mentor to Jock during his past couple of years. Jock shared with me the funniest and also challenging moments of his serious business life and his frustrations. Despite of the high pressure of his business projects and deadlines, he stopped the work in the middle of a winter late afternoon, pointed to the sky and said:” Look up the sunset. I’m privileged to be able to see another one.” Jock appreciated this planet and nature. I thank you Jock for teaching me to pay attention to these things in life. If Jock didn’t have an answer to something, he said: “Just put it on the top shelf, it will get solved later” Another story Jock shared with me: During one of the Jock’s for him significant business meetings out of town, Jock used a metaphor of an owl, a wise silent animal. The next day, the aboriginal chief who was a part of the meeting brought Jock a stuffed owl (a homemade art plush toy) as a symbol of wisdom. Jock kept the owl in his office. Every so often, he pointed at it, laughed and commented on its strength and inspiration for him. Later, he gave me the owl to carry the symbol forward in my business life. Jock also shared with me when he was approached in the elevator to contribute to the Human Rights Museum foundation, a long time before the Museum began to build. Jock didn’t hesitate and donated $1000 on the spot. Jock taught me to be visionary and to use whiteboards. To this day, I always have one at work and one at home where I draw my thoughts. Jock taught me how to be strong and how to cope with losses in both personal and professional life. Jock loved his family very much. He often talked about his wife Susan, her love for children, art, volunteering, and how proud he is of his son Adam doing well in financial business and his family. He loved his daughter Charlotte, her family, and all the grandchildren. Jock, you always said you are privileged to know me. I am glad I was able to meet you and witness almost 20 years of your life. I am privileged and proud of you and all your missions accomplished (or not). I will miss you. Good bye Jock. See you later. Let’s put this on the shelf for now… To connect and reminisce in Jock’s legacy or to view his owl, I can be reached in Canada at 204-297-8876. We are still here. I know Jock would be happy about that as his mission in life was always to connect people…God Bless, With Love Michaela - Posted by: Michaela Piro (Mentee, Friend, Colleague) on: Sep 01, 2013

• My husband Martin Rabinovitch and I have known Jock for about 39 years and saw each other at varying degrees throughout our lives. My husband, Jock said mentored him, and Jock, he mentored me. Luckily for me, Jock stepped back into my life in a big way after my husband became ill in 2009 and called almost everyday to ensure I was alright, to help me work through business issues, while never losing sense of the greater value of family, his and mine. He was there for me whenever I needed or did not need him. Jock was a great friend. He had a great heart. He charmed with stories, he provoked thinking on the big issues. While Jock on the one hand was so private, he gave of himself. When he shared part of himself and opened up to his thoughts and feelings it led to even better understanding, reflection and dialogue. Everything about Jock was big. His size, his heart, his compassion, his care, his love of family. I will miss his frequent calls whether the one minute or the many an hour. I will miss his esoteric ideas. Jock talked so proudly of Susan, and her painting and her joy in life, his children and his grandchildren. Susan and family, I am very sorry for your loss. A tough man in some respects, but one who gave so much. Many good memories and laughs to recount. My heart goes out to you all. - Posted by: Belinda Kirkwood (Rabinovitch) (Friend) on: Jul 24, 2013

• I've had the honor of knowing Jock for over 20 years. He was always supportive and protective. He was one of the most creative problem solvers and curious people I know. He always approached things with the view of how to get things done with a full evaluation and appreciation of the risks and contingencies involved. It was a joy to work with him and I will miss him greatly. My sincere sympathies to Susan and his family and friends. - Posted by: Jean-Guy Gourdeau (Friend, work colleague) on: Jul 24, 2013

• Susan, It was such a shock to hear about Jock. He was such a special and interesting man and always enjoyed the time we spent with you and Jock. Know that we will think of him with great affection. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of great shock and sorrow. - Posted by: Larry and Suzanne Busby (friends) on: Jul 24, 2013

• I've only known Jock for about 3 years but feels like a lifetime. He became much more than an adviser; a true friend indeed. I'll always remember his 'leading questions' and of course his whiteboard. Yes Jock, I will continue to mix the sawdust just so, to produce the finest bacon in the world! My deepest sympathy to you Susan and your family. - Posted by: Kelly Ediger (Business associate,friend) on: Jul 24, 2013

• I will miss the great discussions Jock and I would have in the salon. He was always full of wisdom and encouragement in any of my business ventures and always willing to give me his time. It was a pleasure to have known him and will never be forgotten. My thoughts go out to his family. Dom - Posted by: Domenic Auriti (Friend, stylist) on: Jul 24, 2013

• It is with great sadness that I learned the news of Jock’s sudden passing. I offer my most sincere and heartfelt condolences to Susan and the rest of the Tooley family. I first met Jock in ’96. I fondly remember the few years we worked together while my family and I were in Winnipeg. I considered Jock a valued mentor and true friend. I have many fond memories that I will always cherish, here are but a few… - Occasional evening calls that would start with a brief silence followed by, “Babington, Tooley”. Always offering sage advice delivered with incredible passion. - Jock orchestrating an entire New York Irish Pub’s clientele to, one by one, share their answers to the question, “what’s your story?” as others huddled around in a large circle. - Arriving at our house one weekday evening to deliver an unexpected gift for my eldest son – his first set of golf clubs. Colin was ~6 years old. - Encouraging me to include a “kitchen for the mind” for my children when finishing my basement. - Knowing we were new to Winnipeg, Jock generously invited Karen and I to a black tie event hosted at a friend’s house. We were pampered the entire evening which concluded with us all huddled around the piano singing Christmas carols. Mr. Tooley, you were indeed a very special person, you will be missed. - Posted by: Rick Babington (colleague, mentee, friend) on: Jul 23, 2013

• Jock was a true friend of mine growing up in River Heights. Although in contact sporadically over a number of years, it was with both joy and now sadness that we recently finally got together and shared many wonderful memories and philosophies. Susan you are in our thoughts at this difficult time. Our heartfelt condolences to you and the rest of the Tooley family for your loss. - Posted by: Lewis Slotin (Friend) on: Jul 23, 2013

• Ohh Susan ! I'm so sorry to read of Jock's sudden and untimely passing, Though a silver lining that Jock will be reunited with Ben, a loss we readily identify with, I'm sure these two premature losses result in barely imaginable stress and a very profound and numbing sadness for you. As you again face a struggle through that long and lonely valley of the shadow ......, may there be moments of comfort in your sadness and times of peace in your days. As you grieve and appreciate diversion, let me know if going for lunch or coffee appeals to you. intouch@mts.net In thoughts and prayers, Noreen - Posted by: Noreen Duncan (Co-Worker at General Byng School (Kindergarten 1967-'69)) on: Jul 23, 2013

• Susan, Charlotte, and Adam, so saddened to learn of the loss of Mr. Tooley (as he will always be known to me). I was blessed with his friendship through mom and dad, and too have numerous memories...from him putting peanut butter on the roof of the dog's mouth to Tooley weekends...chicken pox on our Canada vacation, and much much more! My thoughts and prayers are with y'all during this time, but know he is already in heaven making mom (Sherrie) laugh. Love to you all....Sarah - Posted by: Sarah (Keller) Howell (daughter of good friends) on: Jul 22, 2013

• I first knew Jock in those wild and crazy university days in the late 60's at the Zete house. Even though he was two years older he treated all "brothers" as equals. We reconnected shortly after he returned to Winnipeg and enjoyed many a coffee on the 15th floor as we bounced business challenges off one another and just had a great time trying to help each other out. I will miss him and always remember him. He was always a first class human being. - Posted by: Rob Tisdale (friend and fraternity brother) on: Jul 22, 2013

• How do I start? Yes, Jock, I don't really know what I know! I do know I truly love you & Susan. How can I ever replace our time together? The times we went through- the good, the bad. Our life journey, together, all too brief. Please know that I will always treasure our time together and I have, and will miss you. Susan, Adam, & Charlotte-you are and will always be family. God Bless you all- Wally - Posted by: Wally "Waldo" Keller (Really Good Friend) on: Jul 22, 2013

• I fondly remember some fun times at Tooley's pool on Elm Street many years ago. My condolences and sympathies to Susan (my friend since Grosvenor school kindergarten) and the rest of the family. - Posted by: Ron Rosenblat (Old Friend) on: Jul 22, 2013

• There are TOO MANY unfinished conversations for Jock to leave now. He was a great mentor and friend. I'm left a little overwhelmed with the memories of the two of us having a great laugh and planning to "take over the world" as we sat looking out his windows at the corner of Portage & Main. Jock is irreplaceable and I will miss him always. I will keep the white board filled Jock! - Posted by: Rob Walker (friend) on: Jul 22, 2013

• I have known Susan since I was an infant and we are still friends to this day. Susan and I were students in grade 7 at River Heights School with Jock. Neither of us knew at this tender age that Jock would become Susan's life partner. Several years ago when I was visting in Winnipeg, Jock expressed to me his great privilege of loving Susan all these years. He stated on another occasion when talking about the loss of their son, that he does not feel, he thinks. Feeling for him about his terrible loss was too painfall. When my mother died, Susan and Jock opened up their home for a reception after prayers at Chapel Lawn. This event was so greatly appreciated and graciously done. Jock had a good life but cut short and his loss will be felt by everyone who knew and loved him. I appreciated his off-beat sense of humor and wry commentary and I will certainly miss him. Condolences to Susan, Charlotte, Adam and extended family. - Posted by: Lorraine Ellis ( Allison ) (Oldest friend of Susan's, bridesmaid, neighbor. ) on: Jul 22, 2013

• Jock was a special individual--who did care about others and truly supported the next generation. I along with others who had the privilege of working with him here in Saskatchewan will miss his "wizardry," professionalism and playful nature. My sincere condolences to his family--be proud of Jock--a very endearing guy. doug - Posted by: Douglas Richardson (Business associate) on: Jul 22, 2013

• Jock truly changed my life and taught me about business and what it took to be successful. I received many a call at 2 in the morning with a deep voice that would say just one word that was "code" for that week's lesson, some of you know exactly what I mean. He was a great man and taught me everything. This is a man I will tell my grandkids stories about, he was that special. thanks for being in my life.... - Posted by: David Dillon (Freind, student, compodre) on: Jul 22, 2013

• Jock was indeed larger than life and his stories were too. Sharing a carpool with Jock in 1st year university was memorable. His mother used to follow him out of the house with scrambled eggs in a tin plate so that Jock would not go to school hungry. His humor was black and quick. His kindness to friends was exceptional. He came to my father's 90 th birthday celebration at Loni Beach and my father was not that friendly to any of the boys in my life! His care of Susan was only what one would expect from his devotion to her. He will be missed but remembered Fondly Naneve - Posted by: Naneve Hawke (Old friend bridesmaid carpool sharerer) on: Jul 22, 2013