Oct. 13, 1928 – May 18, 2015
Len was blessed with a long, full and wonderful life. He was born on Saltspring Island to Charles and Marjorie Tolson. The family, including brothers Bob and Dunc, later lived in West Saanich and Oak Bay. In 1960, Len married Diana Parsons and settled in Oak Bay to raise their three children, Doug (Sue), Anne (David) and Karin (Mark). In 1977, they moved to the family’s much-loved Fork Lake property in the Highlands, where days were spent swimming, hiking Mount Work, chopping firewood and maintaining the large property. Many treasured times were spent with old friends and good neighbours around Fork lake, as well as enjoying the wildlife and beauty of nature. A favourite time was early morning with Diana and tea down at the lake when it was warm or, if inclement, in front of the cozy wood-burning stove. Len was known for his youthfulness, playful sense of humour and ability to create. As someone who was keenly interested in being present in each moment, Len had integrity, absolute trustworthiness as a friend and an attitude of thankfulness in all things. He took leadership roles when asked, in groups such as the Saanich Songmen, the Emissaries and the Friends of Fork Lake. Len has been a tremendous influence in so many lives and will be greatly missed by his family – including grandchildren Ava, Mark, Julie, René, Zara, Abby and Ella – as well as a very large circle of friends. The many people who knew and loved Len are grateful to have had this very dear man in their lives. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
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Marcus Vichert
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Flo-Elle Watson I had the pleasure of working with Len at Victor School, a self contained school for the Mentally Handicapped. It was such a wonderful place to work, filled with the most caring people. Len was one of those, kind, patient, understanding with a great sense of humor. He loved to work in the workshop with the kids, and was involved with their Life skills, cooking, camping and sorting programs. The kids love him and called him Tolson, He will be missed, fondly, Flo-Elle
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Jim & Grace Delday Dear Diana;
Jim and I sent you a note by mail but we heard that you and Len had moved from your beautiful place in the highlands so we are sending you another note here. Jimmy and I were so sad to hear about Len. Len was the reason Jimmy was looking forward to going back to the Songmen in the fall. They had been best buds for a very long time. We will miss him. You must be numb. He was such a good man. If we can do something to help please call. Please keep in touch. you have our email and our phone number. just know that we loved him too.
with love
Grace & Jim
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Susan Thomas (Proudfoot) I am so sorry to hear of the passing of an amazing man.
I have many fond memories of being welcomed into your family.
Some of my favourite childhood times were spent swimming at the lake, hiking Mt. Work and camping with you.
I will never forget and I often tell the story about how Mr. Tolson went to take a seat on a lawn chair (remember the old ones that have the webbing) but it must have been very well used and perhaps even weakened by the sun, because as he took a seat he fell through. But back then we weren’t attached to a phone or camera so Karin and I made him stay there as we searched our very messy preteen tent to find our cameras. Then give us a “fake” look of surprise so we could capture the moment on film. It still makes me chuckle when I think of it. What a great sport.
Thank you for so many great times.
Mrs. Tolson, Doug, Anne , Karin and Family,
I am thinking of you all at this difficult time and I am sending you strength and love.Peace,
Susan
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Phil Rogers I’ll always remember Len’s sense of humor and joy in music. Singing with him in the Saanich Songmen was a great experience. He will be missed.
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Peter and Marie Orme We were very saddened to hear of Len’s passing. He was a bright light in our lives and was a big part in the life of the Saanich Songmen. We remember with great joy the summer picnics with Len and Diana at their Lake house. The group will never be the same without him and he stays as a very fond memory of the years associating and singing with him.
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Dianne Auchinvole Dearest Diana. We were truly blessed to have Leonard in our lives. What fond memories of him we shall hold in our hearts forever. My love to you land your family. Dianne
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Dianne Auchinvole Dearest Diana, we were surely blessed to have Leonard in our lives. What fond memories we shall hold in our hearts forever. My love to you and your family Diannexx
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Marguerite Lawson Dear Diana and Family: My sisters Diana, Sally and I will certainly remember when you and Len were married. What a wonderful love story you have. This is such a sad time, and I hope your fabulous memories continue forever. With warm thoughts and wishes for you all, Marguerite
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Tracey and Pete Family nanes all have special meanings, but for me the Tolson name means, family, love, fun, integrity, warmth, & acceptance. Walking into a room where Len was meant that you were a part of his life in that moment, you were special, and you could feel the love that exuded from him for his life, for his family. I learned many life lessons from our Mr.Tolson, that I will cherish and probably pass on to my kids. Karin, Doug, Anne & Diana I am so sorry for your loss, we are thinking of you all and send you many hugs. Thank you for sharing the gift that he will always be with us.
Tracey & Family
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Barbara & Dave Proudfoot Diana, we were so sorry to read of the passsing of your husband Len.
Have fond memories of bringing Susan up to your place many times and the fun she had staying over with Karin.
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Margaret Bigrigg I am so sorry to learn of Len’s passing away. I remember Len fondly. I was the school secretary at Victor School
(Margaret Fuller then) for a number of years. Len was a student assistant with patience, kindness, understanding and a good sense of humor. We could always count on Len. I don’t think he missed a day. My sincere condolences to everyone.
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Beverley Gerbis Dear Dianna, Doug, Anne and Karin and your families
I am so very sad to hear of Len’s passing. It has been many years since I saw you Dianna but I have found myself thinking of you and your family quite often . You were all a very special part of Amy’s growing up.
Greg and I have loved seeing KT over the years.
Len’s wonderful sence of humour is what I remember the most and I know you will all miss him terribly.
Memories are the gift they leave. A life well lived will be forever in your hearts.
Greg joins me in sending loving thoughts your way.
Bev and Greg Gerbis
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Amy & Amrit To the Tolson Family,
I consider you all family and feel very lucky to have had the privilege to spend time with you all at Fork Lake. Leonard was a one of a kind and I have many fond memories of time spent with him or more accurately joking around with him – I always got a real charge out of his sense of humor:) He has left a wonderful legacy! You are all in my thoughts.
Lots of Love
Amy & Family
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Suzanne Baden Loving thoughts to you Diana, Doug, Anne, and Karin and your families at this time of loss.
We fondly remember many times with you in years past. Jim and Suzanne
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Angèle It has been a true blessing to have shared some beautiful moments with Len. He is forever an example of joy and light in my heart.
May his bright spirit continue to be felt by all those he inspired to live a great life!
In gratitude and love,
Angèle
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Kevin Keliher After a 30 year close friendship with Len and Diana, I will miss Len dearly. He leaves an ache in our hearts as well as so many fond memories. And to Len’s family – please know that Janice and I are sending warm thoughts your way at this important time.
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Gary and Bertha So sorry for your family’s loss. I always admired the way in which he lived his life. So full of grace, energy and good humor.
We will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him.
All our best to you and your family.
love
Gary and Bertha
I have such fond memories of visiting Len and Di at Fork Lake.
When I think of Len I always smile; he was a genuinely funny man who loved to laugh and who made me laugh whenever I saw him.
My thoughts are with the rest of the family.
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Marcus