TONER, VANCE - Died April 19,2005 peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. A renowned former athlete, hockey and football coach, university professor and community volunteer, Vance's proudest titles were husband and father. Besides his faith in God, his most precious relationship was with his wife of 53 years, Pauline (Aube). His sole daughter and six sons were among countless witnesses to the couple's joyous, devoted love story. A man of unfailing integrity and courage, his vision, compassion and sense of duty had a profound affect upon countless students, athletes, colleagues, and friends. He strove unceasingly to develop the "whole person" and stressed the importance of adhering to high ethical standards and "fair play" in every situation. Despite numerous awards and public honours, Vance refused to take himself too seriously and retained a playful sense of humour throughout his life, including during times of great personal discomfort and loss. He was a constant source of encouragement and strength to his immediate and extended family and to a vast network of friends. Born in Edmundston, April 10, 1926 to the late Kathryn (Tobin) and Herman Toner, he was a younger brother to Richard (Dick). The two became and remained close friends and confidantes for life. Educated in Edmundston, where he began his distinguished hockey record, Vance attended St. Thomas University in Chatham where he excelled academically and became a stand-out varsity rugby and hockey player, serving as team captain. It was also at St. Thomas that he met Pauline. After graduating, Vance taught sschool, coached and played hockey briefly in St-Joseph D'Alma, PQ before returning to St. Thomas to teach and to coach hockey and football. He led their hockey team to the Maritime Intercollegiate championship in 1961. Vance later completed Masters and Doctoral studies at Springfield College in Massachusetts, USA and in 1965 joined the faculty of the Universite de Moncton where he founded the School of Physical Education and Recreation and in 1972, the Leadership Institute. Besides his duties as professor and administrator, he also served as the New Brunswick representative to the National Advisory Council on Fitness and Amateur Sport, chaired a provincial government study on minor hockey, was a member of Canada's Olympic Hockey Committee and a consultant to the federal government for the development of the National Sports Administration Centre where he served as a member of the board of directors for seven years. Vance was also a former chairman of the Canadian Intercollegiate Athletic Union, the first chairman of the board of governors of the NB Sports Hall of Fame and a long-time member of the Boys and Girls Clubs Board of Directors. During these years he and Pauline remained active in their parish (Immaculate Heart of Mary) and diocese. In later years he was involved in the fundraising campaigns of the Kidney Foundation and was a member of the National Forum on Climate Change. In recognition of these and other contributions, Vance received numerous awards including the Order of Canada (1997) and the Paul Harris Fellowship Award. He was inducted into the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, the Moncton Sports Wall of Fame and the Miramichi Sports Wall of Fame. In 2003 the Universite de Moncton named their field house in his honour (Stade Vance Toner). He is survived by his wife Pauline; one daughter, Maureen of Fredericton, six sons, Terry (Dianne), and Brian of Halifax, Tom of Wolfville, N.S., Dan of Fredericton, Chris of Ottawa and Paul (Kathy) of Riverview; one brother, Richard (Barbara) of Fredericton, five grandchildren, Heather, Patrick, Michael, Danielle and Natalie; several nieces and nephews. Resting at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, April 21, 2005 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 22, from Immaculate Heart of Mary Church at 11:00 am with Fr. Jeff Doucette officiating. Interment will be in St. Michael's Basilica Church Cemetery. Donations to the Canadian Diabetic Association, the Canadian Cancer Society or the Moncton Boys and Girls Club would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to Riverview Funeral Home, 214 Pine Glen Rd., Riverview (506) 857-9544.