Dr. Daniel Joseph Toliver of Tofield, Alberta, passed away May 8, 2025, at age 75. He was born March 12, 1950, at Sanggau, Indonesia.

At the time of his birth, Dan’s parents were serving as missionaries to the Dayak people on the island of Borneo. The evangelical faith of his parents took root in Dan, instilling in him a firm conviction in the holiness of God, the truth of the Bible, and the universal need for salvation in Jesus Christ. This conviction would lead him to pursue a career in medicine, where he saw treating patients as his way of serving God.

In 1960, the Toliver family relocated to Three Hills, Alberta, where he completed his early education. He went on to earn his medical degree at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. While there he met his wife, Joan, with whom he soon moved to Tofield, beginning his medical practice there. Dan quickly developed a passion for providing extensive health care to the area’s residents. As a rural family physician he served the community with skill, compassion, and unwavering commitment.

For 25 years he was a pillar of care in the region—delivering babies, providing general surgeries, administering anaesthesia, and treating generations of patients with a steady hand and expertise. Known for his tireless work ethic and expert medical knowledge, he ensured every person who walked through the clinic and hospital doors received the medical care they needed. He made a lasting imprint on rural medicine. His legacy continues with his daughters, all of whom followed him into the field of health care. As if this was not enough, even in retirement he persisted in serving the community, providing many people with advice and supplements through alternative and complementary medicine.

Dan also had a green thumb, which led him to plant many trees around the farm and house, taking a particular interest in those bearing fruit. Apple, cherry, and saskatoon trees all found a home in the yard. He took great pleasure in cultivating flowers, especially a wide variety of roses. This interest in growing things extended to farming, and Dan grew grain crops and canola for many years. This also gave him many chances to operate equipment and use his mechanical skills: when he wasn’t busy repairing people, he often had equipment under his care. In the summer Dan loved spending time at the lake. He enjoyed driving the boat, pointing out the various types of ducks and other waterfowl, teaching his children and others to ski, and barbecuing meals for everyone.

Dan is survived by his former wife, Joan, and by his four children: Joy Kroes and her husband Brad, and their sons Joshua and Jacob; Stephen Toliver; Sara Kliewer and her husband J.D., and their daughters Micaella and Annalise; Danna Micklich and her husband Matt, and their daughter Roselyn. He is also survived by his brothers Paul, Stephen, Jon, Andrew, and Luke, and by his sister Anna Wildebuer. Dan was predeceased by his parents, John and Frances Toliver, his brother David, and his sister Joy. 

Dan will be remembered for his years of faithful service to the community and the many people he helped.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 11 a.m. at The House Church, 5830-51 St. in Tofield, Alberta.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.