August 24, 1931 – November 3, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dennis Toews, age 93, at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital with his daughters by his side.
Dennis will be dearly missed by his daughters, Mary Johannesson (husband David) and Martha Motta (partner John), and his grandchildren Michelle and James Johannesson, and Rebecca and Ryan Motta.
Born in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Dennis lived an incredibly full and varied life. He started his career as a member of the RCMP before finding his way into the insurance industry, eventually founding POLARIS Benefit Consultants Ltd.
Dennis had a lifelong passion for sports. He was an avid rower, skier, and especially a sailor. In 1959, he started sailing on a 6-meter racing sailboat out of Bronte Harbour—before the yacht club even existed! Over the years, Dennis as a crew member, went on to win Canadian, North American, and European championships, and proudly represented Canada at four Olympic Games—one of the highlights of his life.
When it came to adventure, Dennis was always up for the next challenge. Along with his late wife, Norma, he spent more than 20 winters in Portugal and traveled to countless other exciting destinations. Dennis’ travels weren’t just for pleasure; his Olympic and sailing career took him all over the world. He even kept a list of 85 airports, seaports, and train stations he had been to, plus two locations where he’d arrived by helicopter. Even at 93, he wasn’t slowing down—he celebrated his birthday with a glider flight at the SOSA Gliding Club, and the photo from that day says it all: Dennis was still living life to the fullest.
Dennis was deeply grateful for the opportunities he had and the incredible people he met along the way. His stories—whether about his sailing adventures or his travels—will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of hearing them.
The family would like to thank the management and staff at the Village in Bronte, for helping him to remain independent and the wonderful staff at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital for their care in his final days.
A Celebration of Dennis’ Life will be held at the Bronte Harbour Yacht Club, of which he was a member, at 125 Lakeshore Road, Oakville, on Sunday, January 5, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. There will be additional parking across the street at Walton United Church.