It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Louis Joseph Tocheri, 96, long term resident of Broadway Avenue. Louis passed away peacefully at Hogarth Riverview Manor on Wednesday December 23, 2020. Born in Celano Italy, immigrated to Canada as a young boy with his family and grew up in Vickers Heights. He served in the Navy during WW2 on a Corvette crossing the Atlantic escorting ships. He returned to marry Gail, the love of his life and together for 67 years, they raised 3 children. Country life allowed Louis to foster his love for animals by raising horses, dogs, rabbits, geese, chickens even peacocks!
After leaving the navy he swore “no one will ever tell me what to do again!” so the independent Louis became a very successful career salesman. Whether it was vacuum cleaners, life insurance, real estate or wine, “my goal was always to be the best” and he was. He was a stock car racing legend in the 50’s, known as the ’Witch Doctor,” he drove car #19 and his motto, “you better get out of my way”! He enjoyed coaching and playing baseball, bowling, curling, clearing the pool table and winning poker games. He enjoyed spending time making sausages, salami and working in his park like yard. He loved fishing for speckled trout with “Ed” and his nephews tagging along, he enjoyed “losing them in the dust” while portaging. He also enjoyed moose hunting with his great friend “Sam”.
Louis loved spending time with his grandchildren, his family and friends. He loved watching a good Montreal Canadiens hockey game or a WWE match. Many would say he loved to just sit in his garage and enjoy a pipe or cigar while telling tales.
Louis was the definition of toughness, most recently proved in his last year where he battled hard against his health issues.
Louis will be lovingly remembered by his daughters Karen (Kerr) McConnell, Kim (Patrick) Lightbody. Grandchildren, Shannon McNeil, Jordan McConnell, Allan and Jennifer Tocheri, Lauren, Regan and Sidney Lightbody. Great Grandchildren, Lila, Maxwell and Clarke. Sister Maria and brother Guido along with numerous nieces, nephews and special friends. Louis is predeceased by his wife Gail, son Kory, parents Santina and Louis Tocheri, brother Mario and Sister Elsie.
Cremation has taken place. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a family service and interment of ashes will take place at a later date.
Donations can be made in lieu flowers to the Heart and stroke foundation of Canada.
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2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Louis Tocheri 2020..
Décès pour la Ville:Thunder Bay, Province: Ontario