Richard Toll passed away suddenly on February 14, 2025 at the young age of 42. Born July 24, 1982 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Richard grew up in Edmonton, Alberta and enjoyed playing soccer with the highlight being a game against Brazil in California in 1997. He became a referee when he was 12 years old and also coached kids’ soccer in his latter teens. While living in Yellowknife, he was on the NWT Soccer Board of Directors and travelled to remote northern communities to teach ref clinics and inspired many to join the sport. His charismatic personality, sense of humour and drive to go hard served him well. Everything was soccer, soccer, soccer.
Chef Richard began his culinary career by watching Wok with Yan and the purchase of a garage sale wok when he was a teen. He moved on to live in England when he was 16 and began working hospitality at the Yew Lodge in Kegworth. He completed attended and graduated from the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA) in March of 2007. There were many stops along the way to enhance Richard’s culinary skills but that tie to Celtic was strong and his first company was ASNA Catering in 2012. His passion for his Scottish heritage led him to create Celtic Kitchen in 2020.
Richard was well known for his sense of humour, crazy antics, friendly and inviting personality and generosity which he shared with everyone he came in contact with. His devotion to Robbie Burns and Haggis are right up there! His determined and expansive work ethic was second to his love for his family. His quick wit and bad “Dad” jokes carry fond memories.
Richard is survived by his loving wife Angela Holwell, step-sons Collin and Jacob (15 years), Rory (12) and Isla (10), Una (3) and Iona (16 months) and his previous step-children Leavy and Dade; his parents Cindy Grier and Ken Toll, sisters Hope Lagaden and Robyn-Lynn Sagan. He will be sadly missed by all our extended family and many, many friends and acquaintances he encountered in his short lifetime.
Richard’s Celebration of Life will be held Saturday March 29, 2025 at the Queen Alexandra Community League Hall at 10425 University Avenue, Edmonton Alberta from 1 – 4 pm. A light lunch will be served after the Celebration of Life to allow time for sharing stories and visiting others.
In lieu of flowers, we are asking for contributions to Richard’s family through the GoFundMe at http://gofund.me/68e4cdad . This will help support Angela and the children during this shocking and difficult time of readjustment.
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