Sylvan A. Toombs

Sylvan A. Toombs, 85, of Lincoln, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Jamieson Nursing Home in Harrisville.

Born April 3, 1941, to Leonard and Mabel (Reaney) Toombs in Port Dover, Ontario, he was raised in Simcoe. Syl came to Harrisville at the age of 20, where he met Joan. They were married February 29, 1964 in Harrisville. They settled down, and had two children, Linda and Leonard. The family moved to Clawson, MI, where Syl worked at Allstate Insurance for thirty years. The lifeblood of Syl was hockey, a game he played, coached, and watched. He shared this love with everyone he knew, and if you were a family member, learning to skate was non-negotiable. While living in Clawson, as much time as possible was spent in Lincoln, MI vacationing with family and friends, creating many great memories through the years.

At the ripe old age of 55, Syl retired and spent 30 years living in Lincoln, where he played 5,325 rounds of golf at Springport Golf Course. In Syl and Joan’s retirement, they spent their winters camping down south, eventually wintering in Dade City, Florida. Syl enjoyed stock car racing, fishing, sitting in the blind, golf, dancing, and playing Euchre. Most of all, he loved spending time with his grandkids. Syl is now with his son-in-law, MIke, still trying to teach him how to fish.

Syl is survived by his wife, Joan, his daughter, Linda Bush, his son, Leonard (Tamara) Toombs, two granddaughters, Shannon (Jesse) Bush and Alayna Toombs, one grandson, Matthew Toombs, two brothers, Robert and Larry Toombs, his sister, Valerie Wright, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Duane and Rene Toombs, two sisters, Sandra Taylor and Dixie Baker, and his son-in-law, Mike Bush.

Syl is at Gillies Funeral Home, Lincoln, where visitation will be on Friday, July 17, 2026 from 11:00 AM until the funeral service at 2:00 PM. Memorial donations are suggested to Friends Together, 105 Prentiss Street, Alpena, MI 49707.