Faithfulness, integrity, diligence, humility, generosity: words that describe one who has received the “crown of Life” after 92 years as a dedicated husband and father. He leaves a legacy of enduring faith in Christ and a loving family with his wife Luella: Dorothy/Bill (Darcie/Craig: Avery, Emily; Danell/Avery); Rick; Peter/Sheila (Rebecca/Tyler; Daniel; Leah); Allan/Angela (Sarahanne; Emma; Katarina/Danny: Logan, Serena; James); Yvonne/Paul (Maria/Winston; Laura); Tom/Wendy (Alysia/Aaron: Jacob, Isla, Liv; Rachel/Jarrod: Ivy, Emmy; Derek/Heidi; Charlotte; Clinton). Born in the Netherlands to a family of 10 children, Allan immigrated to Winnipeg in 1950 following his childhood sweetheart, whom he married in 1953. To provide for his family he had multiple jobs: market-gardener, milkman, taxi driver, and insurance salesman. In 1972 they moved to Victoria, where he founded Allan Tolsma Insurance Agencies. Several of his children and grandchildren work in insurance to this day. His entrepreneurial success enabled him to enjoy time boating, fishing, and gardening. After 26 years as a generous and hard-working businessman, he retired, returning to his love of gardening and travelling with friends and family. He loved meeting (bright and early) with coffee buddies, singing hymns and old Frisian songs, and getting ice-cream with anyone who would go. “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine” (Is 43) – Allan/Dad/Pake is now home. Heartfelt thanks to VGH and Gorge Road Hospital staff for your kindness.
Live-stream service March 28, 2021 at 1:00 pm, newlifevictoria.com/video. Donations may be made to Alzheimer Society. Offer condolences below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
30 Responses
I remember Mr.T as a hard-working soft-spoken man. He came to the dealership and provided service no one else could ever match.
He taught his kids and grandkids good work ethics. After Mr.T retired I enjoyed working with Al, Pete, Tom and the good looking Tolsma, Dorothy, and Craig and Darcy.
He will be missed by many.
Your dad always had such a warm smile and an ability to be very present when we would pass the time of day at a church event. It was so obvious that he was enjoyed by the family. I am so sorry for your loss. Eunice Snell
Heartfelt condolences to all our Tolsma Family.
Uncle Allan will be truly missed by all who knew him. We have so many fond memories of his, and Auntie Louella’s, visits to Winnipeg over the years. Will miss his ever present smile, contagious laugh, sense of humour, and fun-loving attitude. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love Bev and Peter
Dear Aunt Lowell’s and family,
We were sorry to hear about the passing of Uncle Allan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
The Lord bless you all and keep you. Love Larry & Winnie Johnson (Tolsma)
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. T’s passing. I have many fond memories of him from my days working at the insurance agency and feel so fortunate to have been part of his “family” business. I offer my heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. Tolsma, Dorothy, Pete, Allan Jr, Tom and all the Tolsma family. He was much loved and will be missed.
I first met the Tolsma family in 1974 when our family moved to Victoria and my dad (Doug White) opened his car dealership. Through many paths, we continued to keep up with your dear loving family through your insurance company and flower businesses. A few years ago, while cycling by the flower shop on West Saanich, I just couldn’t resist going down to Allan’s house where sweet Luella, never meeting me, invited me in for tea and wouldn’t let me go until Allan and I reminisced about our families’ lives in the car business. He will be missed. Sandy (White) McClary.
Wendy – sorry for your loss. Love and prayers. Vera
Lieve Lolkje, kinderen, kleinkinderen,en ook de achterkleinkinderen. Joop en Ina, Rita en Kees, Folkert en Betty en Eric en Christine condoleren jullie met het overlijden van Allan. Wij wensen jullie sterkte en liefde van familie en vrienden. Joop en ik kozen als bede dit lied: Ga met God en Hij zal met je zijn,jou nabij op al je wegen met zijn raad en troost en zegen.Ga met God en Hij zal met je zijn. Ga met God en Hij zal met je zijn: in zijn liefde je bewaren,in de dood je leven sparen.Ga met God en Hij zal met je zijn. Ga met God en Hij zal met je zijn,tot wij weer elkaar ontmoeten, in zijn naam elkaar begroeten. Ga met God en Hij zal met je zijn. Een liefdevolle groet van Joop en Ina Tolsma-van Ginkel.
Sorry to all the Tolsma’s for their loss. Allan was a very respected man in the insurance business. His level of care and service was always exemplary. I have early memories of Allan being one of Victoria’s first mobile insurance agent, servicing clients for my father at car dealerships. I am in the auto business now and have the pleasure of dealing with Allan’s sons and other family members. We will always support the Tolsma’s, such a wonderful family.
My wife and I moved to Victoria in 1977, I worked for Empress Pontiac Buick. When we needed insurance I was promptly told to call AllanTolsma Agencies. Allan himself came to the office and looked after all our insurance needs. Allan was very thorough, we felt confident with all our purchases from him. To this day we still purchase our insurance from the Tolsma family. Peter, Dorothy, Tom, Allan, you learned from the best. Allan Tolsma Sr. was a great man, outstanding business man, the Tolsma family can be very proud.
Our condolences to the whole family.
Austin and Bev Ball