Longtime horseman Francis ‘Frank’ O'Toole, of Puslinch, Ont., passed away on Friday, August 4 at the age of 59, and arrangements have now been announced.
O’Toole loved horses, and he started to work in the industry in Newfoundland at a very young age. He worked as a groom, trainer, driver and blacksmith. O’Toole was known as the ‘horse whisperer’ to those that knew him well. He always had a joke to tell and loved making people laugh. O’Toole was also a great singer, musician and poem writer.
Frank is survived by his beloved wife Heather, his sisters, brother, nieces, nephews and many close friends.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, October 28 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion, located at 79 Hamilton St. in Waterdown, Ont.
A GoFundMe page has been launched to help support Heather in this time of need. To visit the page and make a donation, click here.
One of Frank's poems that was written after the Classy Lane barn fire appears below.
Ashes on the floor
Devastation all around
The sadness runs so deep
The loss is profound
I'm sorry for your loss
For what you're going through
I love all horses, just like you
When they suffer, it breaks my heart in two
I pray you find the strength, to get through
And with all our help, a brighter day waits,
For you
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Frank O’Toole.
Frank O'Toole
Dear Heather and extended family
My sympathy goes out to you Heather during this difficult time. Frank patched many hoofs while I had a stable . We had many great conversations and it was so enjoyable to be able to chat.
My thoughts go out to you and your extended family may you have many memories that will help you through this difficut time.
Thelma O'Connor
Our condolences to Heather.
Our condolences to Heather. Knew Frank many years and he helped many of our horses. He certainly was the best at what he did. RIP. The Martins
Our condolences to Heather
Our condolences to Heather and Franks Family not a better friend could a person ask for . Rose/Sonny Jewitt
Condolences for Frank
Condolences for Frank O'Toole. Frank was truly a great guy, I knew him for over 25 years. He would always stop me to tell a joke. May you rest in peace Frank and Heather my heart goes out to you.
Pam the Feed Lady
So sorry for your loss,
So sorry for your loss, Heather. Frank was a hard dedicated worker who enjoyed life even more. Go karting, Emerald Lake, frisbee and of course are weekly game of horse racing in the trailer park. Frank was always having us track mutts over for a t bone stake dinner. A lot of great memories! Thanks Frank
Frank will be sadly missed by
Frank will be sadly missed by many including myself. I first met Frank when I was a teenager starting out in the industry and his reputation of his skills preceded him. I got to know him a little better during my 8 year stint at the Mohawk Raceway Clinic. He had a very kind demeanour and a great sense of humour. Thoughts and prayers to everyone who knew and loved him and may he rest in peace.
I first met Frank and Heather
I first met Frank and Heather in 1986 at Mohawk Racetrack while working for the same trainer.
He was such a great mentor and all round good guy.
We have crossed paths over the years and reconnected a few weeks.
We had a good talk and shared some laughs.
He was always putting the horse first no matter what he did.
The world has lost a great man with a big heart and soul.
My deepest heartfelt condolences to Heather and the rest of the family.
Rest my friend ❤
a wonderful funny man
a wonderful funny man ...always a story ...
an enigma for sure...
our love to his family ..but mostly our hearts go out to his queen Heather
sending her strength to get through this with the help of our horse community
the guitard family
Frank was the best at what he
Frank was the best at what he did. He was an iconic figure in his trade and revolutionized the art of rebuilding horses feet in these parts. It is with great sadness that Sharon and myself offer our condolences to both his family and his friends. Rest in peace Frank and thank you for what you did for all the horses you helped over the years. God speed.
Truly a good guy. So long my
Truly a good guy. So long my friend.