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ALBERT TOEWS
Born: Nov 29, 1939
Date of Passing: Aug 06, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryALBERT TOEWS
Albert Jacob Toews passed away peacefully the morning of August 6, 2025, with his family by his side. His cherished memory will live on in all who knew and loved him.
Dad was born on November 29, 1939, in Steinbach, Manitoba to John F. and Susanna Toews. He is survived by his wife Hilda, children, Karen (Ray Mills); Vicki (Dan Boyle), their children Kaitlin, Matthew (Meagan) and Mikaela; and Laura (Gregg Martin) and their children, Jamie and Paige. He is predeceased by his parents, along with his siblings, Kay, Peter, John and Gerald, along with many other close friends and relatives who he missed dearly.
Dad spoke fondly of his early life on the family farms in Schoenenberg and later Grunthal, Manitoba. After his mom passed away in 1947, Dad and his brothers had plenty of unsupervised time outside to spend trapping and going to school by dog sled. When his father remarried in 1949, Dad moved from a one room schoolhouse in Carruthers to attend school in Grunthal where he played sports and made many lifelong friends.
On July 20, 1963, Dad married the love of his life, Hilda (nee Krahn) and went on to celebrate 62 years of marriage. They built a life together centred on family and friends, raising three daughters and spending time camping, travelling and summers at the cottage on Falcon Lake. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren. He had a way of making each one feel special; cheering them on in all of their endeavours and inspiring them to be their best.
Dad had a successful career in the homebuilding business, starting his career as a foreman for Qualico, followed by many years as the President of Manor Homes, and finally as President/General Manager of Kensington Homes. Dad loved having a hand in building homes for families and in establishing communities. He cherished the many friendships he made with business colleagues along the way, many of which continued well after retirement.
After retirement at the age of 74 Dad focused on community service where he volunteered as a driver for CancerCare, delivered for Meals on Wheels and helped teach English as a second language to newcomers. He sat on numerous boards, including First Mennonite Church Council where he attended for many years. What he valued most about these experiences was the connection he made with each person. Dad left a lasting impact on everyone who got to know him.
Never wanting to be defined by illness, Dad spent 22 years battling various forms of cancer. He took each diagnosis as a challenge and faced them with both grit and grace. He often spoke of his deep gratitude for the life he was able to lead with our mom and his love and pride for his grandchildren. In his final hours he called together his entire family for one last goodbye and a message of thanks - a true storybook ending to the 'charmed life' for which he was so grateful.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at First Mennonite Church, 922 Notre Dame Ave.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Canadian Mennonite University, St. Amant Centre or First Mennonite Church.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Palliative Care Manitoba and the team at Riverview for their excellent care.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 09, 2025
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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Dear Hilda and family, I was saddened to hear of Albert's death. Although it has been a few years since you sold the cottage, I still think of it as the "Toews cottage". Albert was a kind, generous person. I think fondly of the times that I was invited to play golf with Albert and Henry. His illness doesn't appear to have kept him down in his later years. I am sure that you have numerous memories to treasure. My prayers are with you, Ann Hughes. - Posted by: Ann Hughes (former neighbour at Falcon Lake) on: Sep 04, 2025
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Dear Laura, I’m sorry for the loss of your dear dad, grandfather and friend. It’s a very beautiful obituary of a life well lived. My thoughts are with you. Sincerely, Lucille Meilleur (former St.Boniface Hospital employee) - Posted by: Lucille (friend) on: Aug 31, 2025
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Sincere Condolences to Hilda and their family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Joy & David Bates Novamet Developments. - Posted by: David and Joy Bates (Friend) on: Aug 22, 2025
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Hilda, Vera and I would like to offer our sincere condolences to you and your family on Albert's passing and celebrate with you on his Home Going. Albert was always an encouragement to me in our business dealings and was always a man of his word. Vera and I also enjoyed the many times we spent together with you both in Winnipeg and in Palm Springs. Let us all be encouraged by the words St Paul wrote in 1Thess ch 4 vs 11 - end of the chapter...... We mourn not as those without hope. Sending our Love, John and Vera Wiebe, Kelowna, B.C - Posted by: John Wiebe (Business) on: Aug 18, 2025
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A lot of good memories on the golf course at Falcon Lake. My deepest Condolences to the entire Toews family. - Posted by: Chris Mead (Friend) on: Aug 09, 2025
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Dear Hilda Toews and family so very sorry to learn of the sad passing of Albert Toews. Fond remembrance of Albert as a volunteer driver for the Canadian Cancer Society's Wheels of Hope transportation program. With heartfelt gratitude for his enduring service to cancer patients. Thinking of you at this sad and difficult time. Albert leaves a legacy of care and compassion for his family and the community - may his memory be a blessing. Lynda Ruban Canadian Cancer Society. (retired) - Posted by: Lynda Ruban (Canadian Cancer Society (retired)) on: Aug 09, 2025