There were tears as well as laughter as those touched by the life of Toni Marciniak paid their final respects.
He had made a huge impact on the lives of Powell River youth over the course of his 27 years working in School District 47, and friends, family, students and the community gathered to pay tribute and say goodbye to the man who had worn hats as counsellor, coach and teacher.
The well-loved Brooks Secondary School counsellor died in the early morning of Friday, April 17, from a heart attack.
Toni’s memorial service was held at Brooks Friday, April 24. Family, friends and co-workers gathering in Max Cameron Theatre, with its capacity for 400, filled seats quickly. Roger Whittaker, who operates TV Powell River, filmed the celebration of life and broadcasted it to the school’s gymnasium where another 200 were in attendance.
Jim Palm, one of Toni’s closest friends, emceed the service and said that if Toni had his wish he would want the event be uplifting not sorrowful. Toni’s family was in attendance including his older brothers Stan and Steve Marciniak, who flew in from the family’s hometown, Manchester, England.
“We all loved Toni,” said Palm, “because he embraced and loved life and he loved all of you.”
Brooks principal Jamie Burt spoke on behalf of the school district. Burt welcomed Toni’s family and relayed his deepest condolences for their loss. “The outpouring love and emotion that we’ve witnessed over the past week attests to the incredible relationships that he built,” Burt said.
Paul Cummings directed the school’s senior choir in some of Toni’s most favourite songs which included “Have I Told You Lately,” “Song for the Mira” and The Beatles’ “Let it Be.”
Toni’s older brother Stan said the family was grateful for the celebration.
“We’re very thankful for all the work that has been put in to paying your respects and honour to our brother,” Stan said. Toni was the youngest of four brothers. “I’ve cut out most of this because I don’t want to ruin the illusion,” he added, showing a family sense of humour. He said that there are “a whole group of nieces and nephews whose hearts are breaking for the loss of Toni.”
Ken Cawley, as well as a number of Toni’s co-workers and friends, talked about the good times they had with him over the years as they relayed humorous accounts of his life. Cawley told the audience about the only time he ever saw Toni at a loss for words. It was during a kayaking trip on the west coast of Vancouver Island when a whale came out of the water next to Toni’s kayak. Everyone laughed.
Soccer, particularly Manchester United, was of great importance to Toni and he devoted many years to coaching youth soccer, refereeing and helping organize the local youth soccer league.
A slideshow presentation of photos and more of Toni’s favourite music gave the audience a chance to see Toni as a child in Manchester and some photos from memorable trips and vacations with friends and family over the years. The memorial finished up with reflections.
A scholarship is being organized in Toni’s honour and donations can be made at Brooks.
