Toby Allan Racette

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our father Toby Allan Racette, on the evening of Wednesday November 27, 2024, with his loving wife of 47 years, our mother, Patsy Racette by his side. He is predeceased by his father Toby Racette, sister Lucy, stepfather Imre (Jim) Molnar and mother Isabelle Molnar. He is survived by his wife Patsy, son Carman and his wife Jodi, and their children Jackie and Lucas. Toby’s daughters Dawn and Nancy. His brother Raymond and Sister-in-Law Jo-Anne. Along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins from coast to coast.

Born in Balcarres, Saskatchewan in 1944, they lived on the Fox Farm until they moved to Regina in 1950, here he lived until he moved to Calgary in the early 70s. He was known by many for his ability to share remarkable stories. We grew up listening to dad share memories of his time spent in the Qu'Appelle Valley with his numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles. Almost every story he shared with us about him, Ray, and his cousins involved dad laughing and smiling as he reminisced about their shenanigans.

Dad, like his father, was musically inclined; he could hear a song once, pick up any instrument, and play that song. Some of our fondest memories involve dad with a guitar in hand playing his favorite songs and melodies that he had written. He was the bass guitarists and one of the vocalists in the band “The Tempests” that he and his friends formed after high school. They travelled around southern Saskatchewan playing dances and entertaining all who attended. 

Dad was an avid sports fan and loved watching his favorite hockey team the Calgary Flames, the Blue Jays, NFL football games and playing golf any chance he could. When we were young it was a huge deal to go to a hockey game with him. He loved attending our little league and softball games and was our number one cheerleader and often assisted with coaching. He would spend time with us tossing the ball around, making up games with us and the neighbors, and even playing the occasional street hockey game.

Dad was a proud Metis man, respected elder, knowledge keeper, leader, and advocate for the Metis People. He was honored to serve as the Vice President for the Metis Nation of Alberta from 2011 – 2014. Throughout the last ten years he continued to be actively involved advising and counselling with Metis People.

Dad was known for his jovial personality, his storytelling, his sense of humor, and making others feel welcomed when visiting; all of which will be missed immensely by all who knew him.

His love of animals was well known, especially for dogs. In his later years he loved his naps with his little Molly, feeding the squirrels in the backyard and watching them play. On his drives to the Windermere, BC he was always on the lookout for bears, elk, and moose.

We will love you forever, always in our hearts, and you will never be forgotten.

A celebration of Toby’s life will be held at a later date and will be announced by his immediate family. In lieu of flowers we ask that a donation be made in dad’s name to AARCS (Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society) or the Calgary Autism Society.