Gerald Vinton Toler

Gerald Vinton Toler, a long-time Camarillo resident, passed away peacefully in North Hills, CA, with his wife and daughter, Kim, by his side. He was 83 years young.

Jerry was born on March 10, 1940, in Cushing, Oklahoma. He was very proud of his Oklahoma roots. His family moved from Oklahoma to Southern California when he was a toddler as his father had a job in the naval shipyards. Jerry graduated from Compton High School in 1958 and eventually joined the Marines. He married his first wife, Marcia Charney who was the mother of his children, just before deployment to Japan. After his honorable discharge he graduated from Cal State University, Long Beach. He worked at Point Mugu, before starting his own electrical engineering business, Toler & Associates, in Camarillo. Toler & Associates provided electrical engineering for commercial applications as well as providing engineering for military housing. Jerry ran the company from 1980 until his retirement in 2007.

Jerry was an avid stamp collector and reader. He loved learning, was interested in nature and animals, and was very fond of tinkering in the backyard. In earlier days, he enjoyed running and competing in races.

Jerry was also a good dancer, learning disco in the 70s and then country swing and two-step in the 80s. Jerry met his wife, Lynn one fateful night at the Longhorn Saloon where a two-step led to 31 happy years of marriage. They enjoyed traveling. One of his favorite trips was a Viking cruise ship to Russia which sparked a deep interest in Russian history and lore.

Jerry was best known for his kind, generous spirit, easy-going nature and quick-witted humor. He cared deeply and always put others before himself. His warm heart was made visible by the twinkle in his eyes and his hearty laugh. Jerry is survived by his wife Lynn Toler (nee Brender), daughters Koreen Toler, Katherine Toler and Kimberly Healy (Jonathan), brothers Jack Toler and Jim Toler (Juanita), sister-in-law Mary Ann Toler, grandchildren Jessica Robertson, Justin Toler (Kory), Jacob Kurdziel, Ryan Healy, Alexis Healy (Kim), great-grandchild Willow Garcia, and mother of his children Marcia Charney, as well as many cousins, nieces/nephews and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Toler and Billie Bachand, and grandson Joshua Edge.

Please contact geraldtolercelebrationoflife@gmail.com to receive details of the Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for a donation to Semper Fi & America's Fund or to the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association.