ARTHUR ORLANDO TOEWS

 

It is with deep, and heavy sadness that we announce the passing of Arthur Orlando Toews, 88, of Brandon Manitoba. Arthur passed away, Saturday April 8, 2017 at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg, peacefully attended by family.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents John Toews and Katherine Toews (née Schellenberg) and his sister June Toews. He is survived by his sister Wilma Taylor; brothers John Toews, Richard Toews and Bill Toews; three children, their spouses and children: Jeffrey Toews (Caithlin McArton) ; Ingrid Toews (Daniel Dell'Agnese); Karl Toews( Roxolana Sawka) and their children Vitaly and Mykola Toews.

 

Arthur was born in the Roland Municipality of Manitoba, growing up in Kane. He took a very active part in working on the family farm and in the family general store especially after graduating from high school. With little opportunity for organized sports he found an outlet for his youthful exuberance excelling in track and field. He was very proud of his accomplishment of reaching his grade 9 level in piano at this time. Inspired by the sacrifices of family members he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (1952-1961) and became Squadron Leader in Winnipeg's 402 Fighter Bomber Squadron and later the light transport squadron. He primarily flew P-51 Mustangs and other support aircraft. He achieved his pilot instructors rating during his service. He considered his duties and flight assignments as the most enjoyable, challenging and rewarding period of his life. While training for jet fighters he suffered a debilitating hearing loss that negated his further pursuit as a military pilot.

 

He left the air force and after the sale of the family business, he attended the University of Manitoba receiving a degree from the Faculty of Agriculture majoring in soil science in 1965. He took a position with Federal Grain as the Supervisor of fertilizer sales and then moved on to the Manager of the fertilizer division. Traveling and operating throughout western Canada, It was at Federal Grain that he encountered the same esprit de corps and camaraderie that he felt in the RCAF, creating lifelong friendships. Later, Arthur took a position with the Manitoba Department of Agriculture and he and his family relocated to Brandon. Though he spent most of his working life in land use studies, while living and working in Brandon he again took up farming in the Neepawa area on what he referred to as his “Suitcase Farm.” Arthur filled any free time by building the family cottage at Kerr's lake. He was resourceful in designing and building his cottage with the help of his sons. The cottage is a refuge and a lasting, tangible legacy of his love for his family.

 

His children would like to thank his friends Richard Atamanczuk and Ernie Ruby for over forty-five years of kindness to Arthur and the family. His family would also like to thank the staff at the Misericordia Interim Care for their kindness during his stay with them.

 

As per his wishes, Arthur was cremated and his ashes will be interred at the military cemetery in Brandon, Manitoba in a private ceremony. A celebration of life service will be held at a date yet to be determined.

 

In lieu of flowers Donations may be made to the Canadian Legion or the Winnipeg Humane Society.