Tosh Hero

Toshiro Drew Towata-Roy aka Tosh Hero. On November 20, 2020, the world lost a beacon of positivity and joy with the passing of Tosh Towata-Roy, age 35. In the week leading up to his passing, Tosh received a heart transplant, a process he courageously embraced. From March 2020, Tosh was hospitalized waiting for the transplant, all of this shrouded in restrictions from COVID. But Tosh soldiered on, maintaining an unbelievable and constant positive frame of mind.

Tosh is survived by his loving partner, Lindsay Hawes, their devoted dogs Rokka and Lola, the Hawes family; Kev, Dar, Kiley and Stacey, his dad George, his mom Lauri and his step-dad Chris. Tosh was lovingly supported by a wonderful extended family. His grandmother, Pat Towata, wishes to convey her appreciation to all the efforts to keep her grandson’s spirits afloat while he patiently awaited his new heart. His partner, Lindsay Hawes’ family especially have been there for him 110%. And the loving support of the Kishimoto / Yamashita / Saisho clans have been with him in spirit every day. As also has the love of the Terry families who welcomed him into their family when Chris became his step-dad. We will all miss him dearly.

Tosh was born on March 1, 1985 and grew up in Claremont, Ontario attending Pickering High School and then on to George Brown College. During his formative years in Claremont, with his love of local baseball he excelled as a back catcher. But his real sports passion was snowboarding where he later became a racing coach. And when he was just 16, he started working with dear friend and mentor, Stef Cott in the snowboard and action sports industry. Helping to throw many infamous events and parties, he truly believed in the value of creating unforgettable experiences. This became the foundation of Tosh’s career which embraced his love of sports, leading him to eventually start his own sales agency, Hero Goods and Services. His vision was to work with brands to support our own local heroes in their chosen sports. His most recent endeavors were in the sport of dirt biking (motocross and supercross) where he applied that same passion and vitality towards bringing people together to form bonds that will last a lifetime. Fueled by a passion for believing in those around him, he provided extraordinary support to those he believed in and created a sense of community where it was needed most. Tosh was blessed with the gift of charm which served him admirably in his chosen career. He was effortlessly able to make friends wherever he went because of his immediate ability to see the good in any individual. He put a positive spin on anything, made adventures out of any situation, and left you laughing through his stories, jokes and banter.

Tosh’s many achievements included sailboat racing where his natural competitive spirit and steady eye made him a skilled helmsman. He loved fishing where his Zen-like patience served him well. Tosh was a gifted musician, whose childhood violin lessons led to a love of the electric bass guitar. From playing in his high school band, to membership in the Aquatic Park Jazz Band and most recently to his funk band PAIA whom he played with at Toronto’s famous Horseshoe Tavern; he loved music. Another of Tosh’s lifelong passions was sharing his love of food. Whether it was sharing the location of the latest restaurants or bringing people together to sample his amazing cooking, he was truly passionate about the power of enjoying culinary experiences together with those he loved.

There are so many communities that helped on Tosh’s journey. The Hospital for Sick Children, the entire community of Claremont, Ontario. Dr. Leo Levin and Donna from Markham Pediatric HC, TGH/UHN transition team, the heroes from the 5th floor, the pacemaker staff, congenital and transplant teams to the 10th floor ICU. Tosh was grateful for the many outreach opportunities provided for him by Sick Kids and Toronto General to help cardiac patients support each other. He made a huge impression on the staff there with his infectious positive energy. There are countless heroes who helped us through the trying times. Lynn and Don, Sandy Hill, the Marshalls especially Cam, all the folks from Claremont PS., Mark Janeway, Larry and Joanne Saisho. The closeness and support of so many of his friends is immeasurable. Stef Cott, Ross Mylet, and his moto family, Jack Wright, Mikey Bolahood, and Donny T.

Tosh had such a positive impact on so many people, near and far. He encouraged others to pursue their dreams while he silently pushed towards his own. Through his tenacity for life, and a heart bigger and more profound than life itself, he will continue to remind us to live courageously, never take the easy road, and in his exact words: “Never not have fun!”.

Remember - Unicorns Forever! And please sign your organ donor card.

https://beadonor.ca/tosh-hero