Kirk Tobias' Eulogy presentation for his dad Kal

2. Kal’s Presentation Guidelines – a great
presentation in six easy steps
1. Set the tone early & don’t look back
2. Try to filibuster & wear them down
3. Never read from notes unless you
are reading quotations
4. Ensure you use colorful language
5. Have a good laughing to crying ratio
6. Leave the audience wanting more!!

3. Presentation Overview – what we are
going to cover today?
1. The Early Years
2. The Business Years
• At Work
• At Home: Family & Fun
3. The Cancer Years: Part 1 – Karen
4. The Cancer Years: Part 2 – Kal
5. Kal’s Rules For Life – what we
hope you will take away today

4. Set The Tone Early – if you thought Kal
was one-dimensional think again!!

5. How Many CEO’s Do You Know That
Love Mr. Hankey The Christmas Poo!

6. Kal Tobias The Early Years – the making
of one tough man.

7. What Happened During Kal’s Early Years
to Make Him So Tough?
1. No Father
2. Very Poor:
• Chicken Neck Fights
• Wore Pajamas To School
• Brooklyn Dodger Practices
3. Too Much Religion
4. He Fought For Everything He Got
• Even Karen

8. Kal Tobias The Business Years – did he
write the book on tough love?

9. What Was Kal Really Like During the
Business Years?
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10. What Was Kal Really Like During the
Business Years?
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11. What Was Kal Really Like During the
Business Years?
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12. What Was Kal Really Like During the
Business Years?
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13. What Did People Say About Working
With Kal During The Business Years?
• “Kal and I were Directors of DHL Canada together for 18 years
and I had an exceptional opportunity to see his considerable
business skills at work. Through strong and weak markets he
steered DHL Canada on the right and successful course. He
was a no nonsense guy but with a big heart and with great
loyalty. If you did your job well he was behind you 150%. If you
didn't you shaped up or you shipped out. He had focus, a
strategic plan, built strong personal and commercial
relationships and was adept at changing with changing times in
a leading edge fast pace business.”
Martin Gifford – Corporate Lawyer and Friend

14. What Did People Say About Working
With Kal During The Business Years?
• “You more than likely would not know who I am, but I worked for DHL
(Atlantic Regional Manager) in Halifax for 18 years, the majority of that
time I reported to your Dad. I just wanted to tell you how much your
father influenced my career and how much I respected him. Your father
was always fair and respectful to me and I felt blessed to have worked
for him and to have known him personally. He always had time for me
and our meetings always ended with a deep appreciation for his
business talents and his honesty and straight forward approach. I have
many great memories and will keep them fresh especially at this very
sad time. I just wanted you and the family to know, that Kal was and will
continue to be one of my biggest influences and I owe your Dad a lot
and he left his mark on me, which I will be forever grateful.”
Tim Blackburn – Atlantic Regional Manager

15. What Did People Say About Working
With Kal During The Business Years?
• “I worked with your dad for 18 years at DHL. Over time, we have lost
touch, but I often remember the wonderful years I spent at DHL while
your father was President and CEO. He was a ‘tough cookie’ to most
people, but I was fortunate enough to get to know a side of Kal that
many employees often feared of knowing. He was extremely generous
in nature, and very family focused…. I remember the talks that we
would have sometimes late at night when he came around checking to
see who was still working….those talks usually revolved around you and
your brother or my children—surprisingly, not about DHL. Even though
he spent most of his time at DHL during those years, he knew his
priorities….his family always came first. I am certain there is no need
for me to tell you this, but as a confirmation only…his love for his family
was very strong. “
Mary Fenuta – National Procurement & Office Services Manager

16. Kal Tobias The Business Years – there
was still time for family & fun!

17. There Was Lots of Fun Outside of Work –
Kal collected wine as a hobby?
No – he did
not VQA!!!

18. There Was Lots of Fun Outside of Work –
Kal even provided an occasional hug!
Unfortunately
you had to
get married
to get one

19. The Cancer Years Part 1 – the fight for
Karen

20. We All Fought Like Hell For Karen
8 weeks
before we
lost Karen

21. Kal’s Redefines His Priorities
1. Kal leaves DHL to focus his time
and efforts on Karen
2. After Karen is gone he plays the role
of Grandma & Grandpa very well
3. We honour Karen each year with the
Ride for Karen – the true thanks for
this should go to our parents

22. Kal Finds Happiness After Karen is Gone
Kal was
very
fortunate to
have
Wanda and
Julian in his
life

23. The Cancer Years Part 2 – the fight for
Kal

24. The Family Rallies Around Kal
We all fight
like hell,
especially
Kal

25. As A Family We Tried To Live Each Day
To Its Fullest
Hanging out
with the
grandchildren

26. As A Family We Tried To Live Each Day
To Its Fullest
Kal was always up for a
good party – especially if it
involved cake!!!

27. Kal Continued to Work and Give Back
During His Battle With Cancer
• “As a young, start-up charity, Charity Intelligence was particularly
attracted to Kal’s tough and driven experience in the business sector.
We were specifically looking for the toughest executive who could whip
us into shape. And marching orders he gave. He commanded director’s
meetings, asking piercing questions, demanding structured follow-up,
and overseeing the team’s execution. The surprise for the Charity
Intelligence team was Kal’s deep soft side. He was a truly caring
leader, mentoring the team, so generous in sharing his expertise.”
Kate Bahen, Managing Director – Charity Intelligence
• “My family extend their deepest sympathy for your loss. Kal was not
only a patient but also a good friend. I helped when I could with my
medical knowledge and understanding of the health care system while
he shared with me his tremendous wisdom. Needless to say he taught
me and shared with me his vast knowledge of wines. There was not a
city that I traveled to where he could not tell me where to have a good
steak and glass of wine.”
Dr. John Dicostanzo – Medical Doctor and Friend

28. When Things Got Really Bad Kal Put On
A Great Show For His Grandchildren
Two days
before Kal
died –
hamming it up
with the girls!!

29. The Last Conversation Kris And I Had
With Kal
“You boys are
good boys, the
best a father
could ever ask
for. I love you
both so much”
Kal Tobias
(Dad)

30. Kal’s Golden Rules For Success In
Business And In Life
1. Have high expectations of others but lead from in front
2. Be the best at whatever you want to do
3. Show passion in whatever you are doing – it forms strong bonds with people
4. Help people around you be better
5. Demand loyalty but show that loyalty in return
6. Be tough but fair with people
7. Laugh often – it is good medicine
8. It is never too late to change
9. Say I love you often, even if it hurts
10. In life and in business give more than you take
11. Teach your children well

31. I Envision Kal & Karen At A Nice
Restaurant Back Together Again –
enjoying getting reacquainted