In Loving Memory of
Jaroslav (Jerry) Toman
April 6, 1928-October 11, 2015
Jerry was born in Ceska Bela, in the former Czechoslovakia, in 1928. He led a long and interesting life. Jerry was predeceased by his father, mother and sister in Czechoslovakia. He is survived by his wife, Libby, his daughter Inka, and son John, both residing in Edmonton. He is also survived by his daughter Lilya Tomanova of Moscow, Russia.
Jerry’s long life contained many unique chapters, which helped to make him into the unforgettable person that he was. His teenage years were spent under Nazi occupation, which resulted in time spent in a work camp, and later in Resistance groups. After the end of WW2 he completed high school and then attended Charles University in Prague. He graduated as a Forester in 1952. Jerry then served for two years in the Czech army as an officer in the Paratroopers.
After several years working in reforestation in Czechoslovakia, Jerry pursued graduate studies in Leningrad. He spent some of the best years of his life travelling on horseback, doing research in the Caucasus Mountain region of the Soviet Union. He achieved a Ph. D. in forestry as a result of this work.
In 1969, Jerry immigrated to Canada, coming to Edmonton, Alberta. In 1974, he and wife Libby went to Iran, working in the Caspian Sea area. They returned to Canada, and Jerry was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of owning a cattle ranch after they purchased land in Little Fort, BC.
Jerry’s wanderlust was still in place however, and he spent periods of time doing consulting work in Turkey and then about five years in Guyana, South America. As Jerry entered his seventies he slowed down a bit but still learned to fly an airplane. He spent more time working on the ranch and enjoying his family.
About this time, Jerry was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Unfortunately, this led to him spending the last four years of his life in Forest View Place, in Clearwater BC. He received wonderful care there thanks to the remarkable and compassionate staff that made his last years as comfortable as possible.
There will be no service. Friends of Jerry are asked to raise a glass in his memory. Services entrusted to North Thompson Funeral Services in Clearwater, British Columbia, 250-674-3030. Condolences may be sent via www.NTFuneral.com