O'TOOLE, KENNETH JOSEPH - It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Kenneth Joseph O'Toole of Riverview, NB on Wednesday, June 10th, 2009 at the age of 64. Ken was born in Saint John, NB, the son of Marjorie and the late Joseph W. O'Toole. Left with wonderful memories to treasure, are his wife of 39 years, Ursula (Henkes) and the pride of his life, his children - daughter Lori (Rob Power), his son Peter, and his faithful four-legged shadow and companion, Nika. He will also be missed by his mother, special brother and friend, Doug and his wife, Sandra, sister, Sharron (David Nicholson), and brothers, David (Norah) and Alan (Sandy), all of Saint John as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. His wide circle of friends, clients and acquaintances will also feel his loss. Ken was a graduate of Saint John High School and the New Brunswick Teacher's College in Fredericton. His Physical Education teaching career began in the Saint John City School system at Barnhill and Saint Rose Schools and various other schools throughout the district. He also owned and operated "The Wayside Shop" in West Saint John for a number of years. In 1978, he began his career in life insurance and financial planning with London Life in Saint John. In 1983, the family moved to the Moncton area where Ken accepted a position as Branch Manager with North American Life. He retired in 2008 from his own business, Ken O'Toole Financial. A firm believer in learning and continuing education, Ken earned numerous designations in the industry including Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant. Ken brought the same level of dedication to his clients as he did to everything in his life. Ken was active in sports throughout his life starting with Little League baseball and minor hockey as a child and then hockey and basketball as both a player and a coach. He spent many summers on the baseball diamond and winters in the rink coaching his son's teams. He loved the sport of curling at every level and was a member of Curling Beausejour Inc. of Moncton. Ken also thoroughly enjoyed his annual salmon fishing trip with his son, son-in-law and the other members of the M.S.S.S. Society. To Ken, landing a salmon was second to the camaraderie and good times "the boys" enjoyed. He enjoyed the hobby of winemaking and produced a number of "premium vintages" which he enjoyed sharing and comparing with his fellow "vintner hobbyists". He loved traveling, whether by trains, planes, ships and of course, his special "toy", his Miata, and he and his wife spent numerous wonderful vacations throughout Canada, the United States and the world, where he always appreciated everything the destination had to offer, whether it was the simple sounds of the ocean waves or the breathtaking wonders of the world. And of course, he was a huge collector of all things great and small, which might be of use to someone, somewhere, someday! As his legacy, Ken leaves the enormous love he had for his wife and children. He had immeasurable pride in his children and their accomplishments and was their number one fan, supporter and mentor. He welcomed his son-in-law into the family as his own son and was happiest when the family was all together laughing and having fun whether camping as a young family or at the annual summer "Splash Bash" at his home. Entertaining family and friends brought him great joy and satisfaction. He approached his illness with the same quiet dignity and determination he brought to his life. His hope was that in the treatment of his illness, progress would be made to enhance skills, techniques and treatment protocols so that others would benefit in the future. The family wishes to extend their sincerest appreciation to family doctor, Dr. Jeanne McNeill for her outstanding care, tenacity, compassion and friendship, to Dr. Luc Francoeur for his knowledge, expertise and dedication that added several wonderful years to Ken's already full life; to Dr. Frank Schweiger and Dr. Asif Shaikh and Dr. Linda LeBlanc for their medical expertise and care and to the staff of 6600 Unit, Moncton City Hospital for their treatment and kindness to Ken during his hospital stays. To our angels, Cathy McGinn of Extramural Hospital, Driscoll Unit, who made it possible for Ken to stay at home where he was happiest the past two weeks and to "the girls" who made sure that our every need was met so that we could concentrate on the time we had left with Ken, "Thank You" can't possibly say what we feel in our hearts but there just aren't any other words to use. You are all truly angels on earth. The public funeral service will take place at Cobb's Funeral Home Memorial Chapel, 330 Whitepine Road, Riverview, (869-2007) on Saturday, June 13, at 11:30 AM with Rev. Chris Van Buskirk officiating. A private family burial will take place at Fairhaven Memorial Gardens. It was Ken's wish to have a celebration of his life following the funeral service, at Curling Beausejour Inc., 80 Lockhart Avenue, Moncton, NB at 1:30 pm. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Cobb's Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 330 Whitepine Road, Riverview, NB. Online condolences may be made at www.cobbsfuneralhome.ca Family flowers only, please. Donations may be made to The Friends of the Moncton Hospital or the charity of the donor's choice.