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Age 86, passed away peacefully in Qualicum Beach, B.C., on December 26th, 2008 after a courageous battle with cancer. Present with Harold in his last days were his loving wife of 62 years, Dorothy (nee Garrett), their three children and grandchildren; son Robert (Priscilla) of Surrey with grandson Christopher (Andrea) of Vancouver, daughter Daryl (Kenneth Peacock) with grandchildren Gregory and Jennifer of Surrey, son Michael (Jeannie Blanchard) with grandchildren Jessica and Jonny of Sooke. Harold will be missed by his brother Ralph of Ottawa, sister Marjorie (Thomson) of Sechelt and is further survived by many nieces and nephews from both sides of the family.

Harold was born on June 26, 1922 in Vancouver, B.C. to the late Leslie and Gertrude (Smith) Toombs. His early schooling was in Calgary and continued in Vancouver. Upon graduation from UBC in Chemical Engineering in 1944, he began working for Monsanto Chemical Company in Vancouver, with a corporate transfer to Montreal in 1955, and to Toronto in 1976. Retirement followed in 1986 with a move to Qualicum Beach, B.C., after 42 years with Monsanto.

Harold and Dorothy enjoyed holidays across Canada, United States, Europe and sailing in the Caribbean. Upon retirement, Harold was active in golfing, fishing, and cruising the coastal waters of Georgia and Johnstone Straits in his own vessel. He was a member of Probus and a lifetime member of the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron (Ballenas Squadron). Harold was a Past Commander and held positions of Training Officer locally and nationally – always with an eye on teaching boating enthusiasts safe boating.

Harold’s greatest legacy is his family and friends. He will be remembered for his integrity, caring personality, and sense of humour that touched us all. Harold and Dorothy’s combined love is the strong fabric of their family life. This same strength extended to their dear friends, many reaching back 50 years and more, some of whose families grew up side by side.

A memorial reception for Harold (“Doc” to many friends) will be held at Tigh Na Mara Resort, Parksville, B.C. on Friday, January 16th at 2:00 PM.

No flowers please. In lieu, as you wish, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the Nanaimo Hospital Foundation (Please earmark cheques “For Eagle Park Health Care Facility”).