ANN ARBOR ? Oxford lost a shrewd businessman July 18, 2005 when Tommy P. Toteff passed away at the University of Michigan Hospital, the result of complications from heart surgery. He was 77 years old.
Founder and owner of Tom’s Hardware for 56 years, there was a time when Mr. Toteff had stores in Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Waterford and Oxford.
In 1972, Mr. Toteff opened his Oxford store, purchasing the old Tunstead Hardware building located at 3 S. Washington Street.
Business thrived at the new northern location and about a year-and-a-half later he moved into a larger space at 558 S. Lapeer Rd., the store’s current location.
Mr. Toteff eventually closed his other stores, leaving only the Oxford hardware to continue bearing his name and legacy.
As a businessman, son Tom said his father was ‘the best there is.?
Determined, sharp and hard-working by nature, Mr. Toteff always read the newspaper and paid close attention to the world around him, watching for trends and listening for opportunities.
‘He knew what to buy, when to buy it and when to sell,? said Tom. ‘He had a knack for business.?
Mr. Toteff’s honesty, frankness, and willingness to express unpopular opinions earned respect and drew criticism from those around him.
‘He didn’t beat around the bush. He got to the point,? Tom said. ‘He didn’t agree with you just so you’d like him.?
More often than not, Tom said his father’s opinions were proved correct in the end. ‘He could see into the future.?
As a family man, Tom said his father ‘made sure everybody had what they wanted and needed.?
‘If it was a necessity, he made sure you had it. He made sure we had some (extras) too.?
Mr. Toteff is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years Marilynn; daughter Susan (Richard) Walton; and son Thomas (Helen) Toteff. He’s also survived by his cherished grandchildren Ashley Walton, Kenneth and Russell LaLone, and Tamara and Thomas Toteff.
Mr. Toteff is preceded in death by his parents Peter and Pena Toteff, and brother Mike Toteff.
Visitation will be held at Bossardet Chapel Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors (39 W. Burdick Street) on Wednesday, July 20 from 4 to 8 p.m. and Thursday, July 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
Funeral services are set for 11 a.m. Friday, July 22 at the Bossardet Chapel.
Memorials to The American Heart Association or The American Lung Association are appreciated.