Obituary of Gerald Toner

Gerry passed away Wednesday, 22 September 2010 after a brief and unexpected illness. Born at Madigan Army Hospital in Washington state to Fannie Malain Toner and Francis J. Toner, Gerry had been a resident of Salinas since 1957. He attended Madonna del Sasso Grade School and Palma High School. He worked at a number of local businesses, including a tire shop, Horner-Waldorf and Spreckels Sugar Company. He worked at Salinas Cab, Paul Trucking and, for the last several years, at Whole Foods, Inc., as a dispatcher, which he had to leave due to his failing health. Gerry respected and appreciated his friends and co-workers at Whole Foods, and they were most generous in their support during his illness. Gerry loved and had a broad knowledge of nature, history and especially music. He loved baseball, and was a big fan of the SF Giants. He was passionate about political happenings and enjoyed an animated debate. He was brilliant, funny, and one of the kindest and most generous of people. He was a devoted father and husband. Gerry was predeceased by his father and his older sister, Sheila. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carina Jansson-Toner, daughters Rita Toner of Sanger, Marina Toner of Salinas, mother, Fannie Toner of Reno, sister, Frankie Toner of Monterey, and grandchildren Kaya, Isaac and Elias. He leaves ex-wife Carmen Toner, with whom he retained a warm and lasting friendship, step-daughter, Bella Hilden and her daughter, Lovikka, of Soderhamn, Sweden. He also leaves a wide circle of friends, all of whom he cherished and respected. It was Gerry’s wish that his remains be cremated. Also, according to his wishes, no formal ceremony will be held. The family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation for the ER and ICU teams at Natividad Medical Center, including Dr. Robinson, Dr. Grimm, Sonia, Toni & Paula for their excellent, kind and attentive care in his final illness. In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to make expressions of sympathy or memorials in the form of their choosing. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.