DAVID RICHARD (DICK) TOEWS

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DAVID RICHARD (DICK) TOEWS

July 17, 1940 - August 1, 2025

It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of Dick Toews at the age of 85 years.

Left to mourn are Dick’s first wife Elizabeth (Betty) Janzen and their sons Greg (Remy), Jay, and Andrew (Darlene), grandchildren Kiera, Roen, Ben, and Sarah, Dick’s second wife Marlies and her children Lauren (Ryan), Jordan (Cora), grandchildren David, Vivienne, and Vincent, Dick’s brother Bill (Barb), sister-in-law Sue, and many nieces and nephews. Dick was pre-deceased by his parents John and Kathleen, brothers Art and John, and sisters Wilma and June.

Dick was born in Kane, MB. He grew up on the family farm, and often helped in the family’s general store, where he no doubt acquired both the knack for business and the joy for people that served him well in later years. In 1963 Dick married Betty, and three years later they took a step of faith to serve and teach in Mexico for five years, becoming beloved members of the community of Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua. Sons Greg and Jay were born in Mexico, and pictures and stories of that time always remained dear to Dick. He would sometimes remark that those were his favourite days.

Back in Canada, in 1975 Dick was offered and accepted a position at Independent Photo, a small camera shop within Independent Jewellers in downtown Winnipeg. It was there that Dick’s passion for photography and his skills in business flourished alongside a heart and personality that would endear him to scores of customers and colleagues.

In 1991, Dick purchased that photo department, named it Photo Central, and truly made it his own, having a profound influence on the photo community and small business community in Winnipeg in the years following. There were many reasons for the impact he made, but his care for people was always at its heart. In 2008 Dick sold the store to his son Andrew and never looked back, eager to move into the joys of retirement.

Dick made the most of his “free” time. He excelled at scale model building, first with scale aircraft, and later “downsizing” to boats (much smaller and less likely to crash!). Dick did enjoy travelling - he took some significant trips overseas - but his passion was road trips in his beloved and meticulously cared-for Miata. Dick will be remembered for his love of classical music, his interest in family history, his wry humour, and a love of friendly community that was most humorously and joyously expressed at his yearly “unbirthday” parties. Whatever he was doing, Dick was always ready to lend a hand to friends and family, whether to help with an odd job or renovation, to give a ride somewhere, or to simply lend an ear and have a lively or meaningful conversation, often over a good coffee, a glass of wine, or a snifter of brandy. Dick never shied away from hard work, was meticulous in everything he did, and made a lasting impression wherever he went.

Dick will be missed by many people, and for many reasons. We trust that memories of his smile, his laughter, and his good cheer will warm the hearts of those who knew him for many years to come.

We would like to thank the many people who cared for Dick in his last years. You enabled him to carry on being who he was to the very end. Thank you!

Cremation has taken place. As per Dick’s wishes, a private service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rossbrook House, an organization that was always dear to Dick’s heart.

Glen Lawn Funeral Home

204-982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 16, 2025