MARCHAND, Antoine (Tony)

— Born December 29, 1920 in Forget, Saskatchewan died peacefully on Sunday, March 4, 2012 at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, Ontario with his children by his side. Saddened by his passing and forever cherishing his memory is his beloved wife Rita, his four children Ron (Maggie-jane) of Brampton, ON, Larry of Oshawa, ON, Marlene of Barrie, ON and Lorraine of Calgary, AB. Also left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life are his grandchildren Jason, Danielle and Brendan, his sisters Antoinette and Germaine from Edmonton, AB and his brother Roland (Beth) from Calgary, AB and many nieces and nephews. Dad had a full and active life, starting with his lifelong love of all sports. He was a professional boxer as well an avid ball player, hockey player and loved to be on the golf course with his Scarborough buddies. His love for sports and his country certainly showed when in his early 80s he was seen rollerblading up and down Flintridge Road carrying the Canadian flag after Team Canada won the Gold Medal. He will always be remembered for his great sense of humour, love of pranks, the great stories he told, his compassion, kindness and of course the fact that he was the greatest Toronto Maple Leaf and Blue Jay fan in the world! A very special thank you to Dr. Bruce Mcturk and the staff at Grove Park Nursing Home for their dedication and care of our father over the past four years. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m at Steckley Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley Street, Barrie, ON. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 65 Amelia Street, Barrie, ON. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity or foundation of your choice.