NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR – Tobias “Toby” McDonald, a respected lawyer, coach of the 2006 Olympic gold medal Team Gushue, and member of the 1976 Brier Champion team skipped by Jack MacDuff. Toby is a distinguished figure in Newfoundland and Labrador’s curling community, he died on January 23, 2025.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Toby McDonald was a man of integrity and character. A dedicated lawyer for nearly 50 years, Toby was deeply respected within the legal community. Known for his calm demeanor and personal approach, he became a trusted advisor and mentor to many. His peers remember him not only for his professionalism but also for his genuine kindness and willingness to help others, no matter the situation.
Toby McDonald’s name will forever be linked to Newfoundland and Labrador’s first-ever Brier championship in 1976. As a key member of the team skipped by Jack MacDuff, Toby helped guide the squad to an unforgettable victory, marking a historic moment for the province’s curling scene. His contribution to the sport was not limited to his time on the ice, however. Toby’s leadership and commitment to curling continued throughout his life, and he later became a respected coach. In 2006, he played a pivotal role in coaching Team Gushue to an Olympic gold medal, further cementing his place in Canadian curling history.
Many who knew Toby fondly recall his friendships and the deep sense of loyalty he showed to those around him. “Toby was a great friend to many,” one long-time friend shared. “We grew up together, just two houses apart. We spent years playing sports, traveling to school, and sharing countless memories. Toby was always there for those he cared about, whether it was in curling, poker games, or fishing trips. His concern for others, his integrity, and his ever-friendly attitude were constant throughout his life.”
Toby’s influence reached far beyond the rink and courtroom. As a coach, he inspired countless athletes with his dedication, wisdom, and patience. In his legal work, Toby was the kind of person who went out of his way to guide and mentor those just starting their careers. One colleague recalled how Toby made an extra effort to help a new office assistant with her first-ever legal file, patiently explaining the intricacies of the task and offering guidance. This gesture was a testament to the kind of man Toby was—always striving to help and uplift others.
Though he was a renowned figure in the curling world, to those who knew him personally, Toby will always be remembered as the “gentleman lawyer.” His calm, collected nature and his unwavering sense of right and wrong were qualities that endeared him to everyone he met. Toby’s legacy lives on in the many lives he touched through his work, his friendships, and his coaching.
Toby’s family—his wife Noreen, and their children, Sarah and Mark—were the center of his world. His close friend shared, “The best inheritance Toby could leave is yours. Wherever you go, whatever you do, and whoever you meet, Toby’s name will come up. You will be constantly reminded of what a special person he was. His legacy will live on, and it’s a remarkable one.”
Toby’s impact on the curling world, the legal community, and his circle of friends and family is immeasurable. As his friends and loved ones mourn his passing, they also celebrate the extraordinary life he led—a life marked by dedication, kindness, and a commitment to excellence.
Toby McDonald’s legacy will forever be remembered, not just for his contributions to curling and law, but for the type of person he was. He was a friend, a mentor, a coach, and a gentleman—a man whose integrity and character left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Rest in peace, Toby. Your influence, your kindness, and your legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved you.