Asheton Carson “Woo” Toland passed away peacefully on August 12th, 2026 in his beloved home at Whetstone, in Middletown, Rhode Island, just two weeks shy of his 90th birthday. Woo’s death marks the end of an era; as the last member of his generation, he was the steady axis around which the entire family oriented itself. Now the world feels a bit wobbly.
He leaves behind his wife Sydney and her family; his children and their spouses, Lisa and Peter Rowley, Priscilla Jansen-Toland, Max Toland, Sam and Brenna Toland, and Jessie and Dennis Mock; his grandchildren Emma Jansen, Charlie and Sophie Mock; as well as dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins, and their children and grandchildren.
Woo was born August 28, 1936 in Newport, RI, the summer home of his parents, Dr. Owen Jones Toland and Alexandra Dolan Toland. The youngest of their four boys, Woo and his brothers, Sandy, Jonesy, and Yale, grew up on the family farm in suburban Philadelphia.
After graduating from St. Paul’s School and two years at Trinity College, Woo met and fell in love with Becky, with whom he shared a remarkable and loving marriage of 57 years. Together they raised five children, traveled extensively, and built houses in Wynnewood, PA; Middletown, RI; and on the island of Anguilla. He and Becky did not live a conventional life; he finished his degree at Brown at age 40, taught history and coached football, and together they developed real estate and a deep sense of community in their 20 years in Anguilla. After Becky died, he reconnected with and married a longtime friend, Sydney Blynn, who stayed by his side until his death.
Woo was known for his relaxed and confident outlook on life. He was an avid reader and enjoyed swapping books and recommendations with his children, nieces, and friends. A die-hard sports fan with the memory of an elephant, he could still tell you details of the 1949 Eagles championship game. Sailing was a lifelong love; Woo never tired of that first puff of wind (“woohoo”) and spent many an afternoon on the water with friends and family, well into his 80s.
An astute follower of the stock market, he passed on his experience and knowledge to various children and grandchildren. One of the last tasks he completed was typing in the symbols of key stocks on his iPad.
Woo made friends everywhere and maintained those friendships for decades. He took great pleasure in asking family and friends about their interests and encouraging them in their goals. He was adventurous in his travels and business endeavors, always willing to learn new things.
Woo was infinitely patient with people; he spent countless hours teaching his children and grandchildren card games and backgammon (at which he rarely lost). Yet he refused to arrive more than half an hour ahead of time for a domestic flight and treated stop signs as suggestions.
Woo died as he lived, with calm, clear-eyed pragmatism and unfailing optimism, a gift to us all. In his last weeks, he took the time to see family, call old friends, apologize for past hurts, and of course, watch the Red Sox. Just as he passed, a lone osprey hovered and dove over the field outside his window. It melted away into the soft evening light, so characteristic of this place he loved. His presence here will always be missed.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, consider supporting your local independent bookstore, or donating to the Norman Bird Sanctuary or the Friends of the National Wildlife Refuges of Rhode Island (Sachuest Point).
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