Toby Scott Slingerland

Toby Scott Slingerland passed away peacefully in his Salt Lake City home on Saturday October 12, 2024 at the age of 54.

Toby was born to Robert (Bob) L. Slingerland and Betty R. Slingerland on July 14, 1970. Toby is survived by his father Bob Slingerland, his brother Rob Slingerland, his sister Stacey Lundy and his two Samoyed dogs, Belle and Sammi. Toby was loved and revered by his niece and nephews; Alexis, Nate, Cole, Sam and Will.

Toby grew up in Erda, Utah, just down the lane from his beloved Grandparents Norman J. Warr and Emma (Rydalch) Warr. Toby graduated from Tooele High School in 1988.

Toby loved to snow ski (he was a terror on the moguls), water ski, race 3-wheelers, play basketball and tennis, fish with his Grandparents, throw underage parties and chase girls. Toby was the mischievous member of the family, and he was whip smart. His perfect ACT score and off the chart IQ were always two sources of pride for him (and that he didn't need to attend class to get straight A's).



Toby's life took a terrible turn in 1991 when he was in a car accident on the way back from Wendover that resulted in him becoming a quadriplegic just before his 21st birthday.

In the first decade following his accident, Toby persevered and lived a vibrant life. He went back to the University of Utah and got his BA in finance, led a thriving online news company, dated, drove his specially equipped van, and traveled all over Europe. Toby loved to tell stories of his European travels and share his pictures of Paris, Amsterdam, Octoberfest in Germany, and numerous other places. Toby was also an avid Utah Jazz fan and a season ticket holder for many years. He never could get over the non-call on Michael Jordan's push off. Toby was proud of his extensive collection of signed Jazz and Dream Team memorabilia. His favorite players were John Stockton, Karl Malone, Memet Okur, Jeff Hornacek and David Benoit. And of course, one of Toby's favorite pastimes was hanging out at Green Street with friends, making full use of his signing privileges.

Toby also loved Coronado Island in San Diego. For many years, Bob and Betty would rent a Coronado condo in September and the family would gather there. One of Toby's dreams was to live in Coronado (Paris was his other choice).

In more recent years Toby's health and body often failed him, and he spent a lot of time in hospitals and recovery facilities. He despised being in facilities and couldn't wait to get back to his beloved old firehouse in the Avenues to be with his dogs, fish and visits from friends and family. He was a devoted movie buff and nature film lover. His house is adorned with pictures of tigers, dolphins, and orca whales. He could spend hours discussing current events, nature, and science when his close friends visited him or called. He also loved his tech gadgets and always had to have the latest phone, smart watch, computer, and gaming system. Nothing made Toby happier than when a box with his new tech gadget arrived.

A special acknowledgement to Toby's father, Bob, who made innumerable sacrifices to ensure Toby was well taken care of, had his own house to live in, a van to drive, etc. Bob was always the first call Toby made when he needed assistance or had an emergency. No matter the hour or where he was at that time, Toby's dad was always there for him.

Toby often said his mother Betty "is my favorite person". Betty passed away in March 2023 and Toby took this extremely hard. Toby is now reunited with his mom along with his Grandpa Norm and Grandma Emma relishing an existence not limited by paralysis. He is once again flying down the moguls, racing his 3-wheelers, and serving aces. We will miss you, Toby.

Family and a few close friends will get together in the backyard of his beloved firehouse to celebrate Toby's life. Toby requested that his ashes be spread in Coronado.

Please consider making a donation in Toby's memory to the World Wildlife Fund or the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, which is dedicated to curing spinal injury and improving he quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis.