Obituary of Thomas 'Toby' Douglas Black

October 7, 1937 – March 20, 2016 It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of Tom “Toby” Black, in London, Ontario on Sunday, March 20, 2016, at the age of 78. Tom is survived by his wife of 56 years, Beverley Black (Tuckwood) and his children Toby Whalen (Terry), of London and Scott Black (Sharon), of Kerwood. Tom was the loving brother of Jack (Doris), of London, Bobby (Gloria), of Ladysmith, Quebec and his sister Ruth Ann MacFarlane, of Hamilton. Tom will be deeply missed by his grandchildren: Matthew, Michael, Julie, Erica and Thomas. Tom was also a special in-law to Bob and Syl, Bob and Wendy, Brenda and Peggy Ann. Tom was predeceased by his parents Goldie and Bert Black, of Kapuskasing, and his brothers Bill and Jim. Tom was born and raised in Kapuskasing and developed an early passion for golf, fishing and the outdoors, but hockey was his true love. He moved to Barrie at an early age to play junior hockey and then continued his career in the EHL and IHL with stops in Philadelphia, Charlotte and Toledo, and then back to Ontario where he played senior hockey with Woodstock and Oakville. Following a short stint working for 3M in London (where he met Beverley), Tom had a long career with the Ford Motor Company at their plants in Oakville and Talbotville. Tom made friends wherever he went and he was a warm-hearted, generous and kind man. He was a long-time member of the Masonic Lodge and an active participant for years in Huff ‘N Puff hockey. Tom’s true passion was his family – he seldom missed an opportunity to watch his children and the grandkids play their sports. Tom was seldom seen without Bev by his side, and they went everywhere together: he was a wonderful husband and father who adored his wife and children. Tom was a loving and giving friend and was cherished as a brother-in-law, brother, uncle and Grampy….he will be deeply missed. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 3:00 - 5:00 and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., with a Masonic Service under the auspices of Middlesex Lodge No. 379 at 6:30 p.m., at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where the memorial service will be conducted on Friday, March 25, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Tom are asked to consider a charity of their choice.