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Albert TOUTANT Obituary
Albert "Big Al" Toutant, a longtime resident of Spokane aged 86, passed on September 26th, 2023 with his family at his side.
Al was born and raised in the Motor City, Detroit MI. Before leaving to join the Air Force Al's childhood included growing up close to extended family - many of whom he stayed in contact with his entire life, becoming a pretty good pool player, and picking up a few yo-yo tricks.
Al landed in Spokane at Fairchild Air Force base and was a proud member of the "Remington Raiders". Soon after arriving in Spokane Al met Bernie, the love of his life for the next 63 years. It was during these early days with Bernie that Al developed a love for the mountains and lakes of the NW. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Al attended and graduated from Eastern Washington University and began his teaching career in Moses Lake, WA. After 3 years in Moses Lake, Al and Bernie - along with son Mike, and daughters Marie and Kathy - moved to Spokane where Al would begin his teaching career at Mead that would finish in 1997 after 30 consecutive years at Mead HS greeting his scholars "Good morning my friends and fellow Americans, what is in the news today"? During his tenure at Mead HS Al also served as MEA President, and as a WEA lobbyist. Al also found time to end each course with a well honed, and narrated, yo-yo exhibition. Summers were spent at Driftwood Point on Lake Coeur d'Alene, and winters skiing at Mt Spokane where Al was a member of the Mt Spokane Ski Patrol, then on to 49 Degrees North where Al was an instructor with 49 Degrees North Ski School.
In retirement Al spent his time doing what he loved - being with family, especially his 6 grandchildren; skiing, biking, boating with family and friends, and fulfilling a lifelong commitment to community activities and civic awareness. Al and Bernie also traveled extensively around the world with friends and family.
Al is survived by his wife Bernie and three children; Mike (Jean) Toutant, Marie (Jim) Meredith, and Kathy (Matt) Heaps; and six grandchildren, Geneva Heaps, Martha (Taylor) Harris, Elie Jones-Toutant, Selah Meredith, Emmett Jones-Toutant, Eva Meredith; and siblings Susie (Dick) Schlaf, Mike (Sue) Toutant, Mary Kay (Eddie) Oravec, and many other cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 4th, 2023 at 10:00am in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane, 4340 Whistalks Way, Spokane WA 99224.
Al's family would like to thank the staff at Cornerstone Court and Spokane Hospice for treating Al with the dignity and respect he deserved.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations to KPBX Spokane Public Radio, the Alzheimers Foundation of America, or Spokane Urban Forestry (Spocanopy).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Albert TOUTANT
Paddy Inman
November 2, 2023
Dear Bernie, Mike, Marie, Kathy, and families,
Al and I were professional colleagues even though we never taught in the same building. We enjoyed a mutually respectful friendship as "Fellow Americans" dedicated to open dialogue from a multitude of student perspectives in the classroom to prepare them to be successful citizens whatever their future pursuits. The very-appreciated attention he paid to our son's early career in Washington, D.C. was emblematic of the attention he paid to all of his students both past and present. His "Good morning my friends and fellow Americans, what is in the news today"? was sincere respect for his students individually and collectively. His influence will be passed down through generations of former students.
You are on my mind and in my heart as you grieve his loss. My hope is that fond memories will sustain you as you adjust to life without him.
Sincerely,
Paddy Inman
Diane Stroschein Cone
October 23, 2023
So sorry Al had to leave you Bernie. It is a tough road but we all have to travel it at some point in our existence.
Thinking of you with all our condolences and prayers.
Diane Stroschein Cone
Bonnie and Art Sabiston
October 15, 2023
Art and I enjoyed working with Al at Mead High School. He was a dedicated teacher and had a great smile and sense of humor. He made learning fun. With love and prayers, to his loving wife Bernie and family.
Jerry johnson
October 10, 2023
Mr. Toutant is a cornerstone person in my life. He made going to school a fun and productive event.
In summer of 1976, he attended a Democratic convention in New York City. I was a bell hop at the airport Ramada. And had recently met and spoken with Nancy and Ronald Reagan whom had just come from the Iowa caucuses. A photographer recorded our autograph signing session. That picture made it to the front page of the New York Times. As he would later tell me "on the front page with the Reagan´s was my student, friend and great fellow American, Jerry Johnson!" He said he would be honored to bring it to me at home, and he did. It was a moment that bound me to him forever.
10 years later I was interviewed for a position at Associates Financial Services on Argonne Rd. I was asked to talk about an important event in my life. I told the Al Toutant story. My interviewer was the branch manager. We emerge in Sloan closing room at the back. He sat facing the front.
As I was finishing my story, his eyes got wide and he kind of swallowed hard. He looked at me and said, Al is coming in right now! He´s one of our best customers!" He went out to greet him. He told Al that there was someone there that had just told him an amazing story! When Al heard my name. He said "Jerry Johnson, my friend and great fellow American!" We shook hands and slapped shoulders". He gave Ken, the greatest Reference a person could ever ask for! I eventually got the job after another Interview.
Just spoke he and his Mrs. early this year, and now I am glad I did! The Kooteny County Fair will never be the same!
Mary Decker
October 10, 2023
Dear Toutant Family,
I´m so sorry for your loss! What a fantastic history teacher who made such a positive impact on so many high school students! I´ve fond memories of Mr. Toutant! I didn´t realize he served in the USAF. He was my teacher in 1981/82 at MHS and he taught most, if not all of my brothers and sisters between 70-84. My thoughts and prayers to Kathy and the entire Toutant family.
Sincerely,
Mary (Kendall) Decker
Captain, US Navy
Dan Erb
October 10, 2023
I have great memories of my High School years at Mead and "Big Al" Toutant was happy part of my time there. Thanks for inspiring us to learn and think Mr T. You were one of the best. Big hugs to you Mike (who I haven't seen since HS choir), and my dear friend Kathy. Blessings to you both.
Margo Davey
October 9, 2023
Thank you for your service to our country and within the classroom. YOU are talked about in the highest regard.
Amy Higgins
October 9, 2023
So sorry to hear about Mr. Toutant's passing. He was my ski instructor for many years up at 49 Degrees North. He taught me how to ski every run there and even helped me hone my racing skills. He was a wonderful person and will be missed.
Eva Meredith
October 9, 2023
My grandmother was an Amazing Person! He loved with all of his heart, made us laugh and showed us yo-yo, and every now and then some magic, tricks! He is Greatly Missed! Thank You all of your Messages of Kindness, Support and Love as we go through this process of grief!!
Washington State
October 9, 2023
Thank you for your service to our country. Rest In Peace.
Joanne Christopher
October 8, 2023
Dear Bernie and family: Al was one of my favorite humans. He taught me much and always treated me and others with dignity. What a treasure and remarkable man! You are in my thoughts as you grieve his passing.
Karen Prows
October 8, 2023
My heartfelt sympathy to the family. Mr. Toutant was one of my favorite teachers at Mead Sr. High, class of 1970. What a great man with a wonderful sense of humor that all his students appreciated.
Best thoughts and wishes, Karen Prows
Brad & Linda Pendleton
October 8, 2023
Our hearts go out to Bernie and the family with the passing of an outstanding man and friend. God Bless
Love from Brad & Linda Pendleton
Candy (Little) Gremler Mead class of 1980
October 8, 2023
I remember his greeting every morning in class. I wasn't much for reading the newspaper; it was always confusing and frustrating, even then. But Mr. Toutant made it fun and I learned a lot about being a world citizen! Peace and comfort to Mike and his family, Candy Little-Gremler, Ohio
Nancy Gugnacki
October 6, 2023
Sending prayers to Al's family... Love, Al's cousins-The Molitors
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