Methodius Tokar, OFM

1913 – 1977

Br. Methodius Tokar, OFM, was born on Jan. 21, 1913 in Ptruska, Czechoslovakia. He came to the United States with his family in 1928 and worked in New York City until becoming a tertiary brother in 1933. After completing two years training as a tailor, he was received into the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J., in 1935, professing temporary vows one year later and making his solemn profession in 1939. His brother Francis followed in his footsteps soon after.

Br. Method served for 27 years as tailor at Holy Name College in Washington, with a two-year period spent at Siena College, Loudonville, N.Y., and 12 years at St. Bonaventure College in Allegany, N.Y. A large percentage of the friars went to their solemn profession clothed in habits made by Br. Method. He followed a rigid regime of physical fitness throughout his lifetime, and loved swimming in the university’s pool each day. While serving in Washington, he cultivated prize-winning chrysanthemums, and in Allegany, he raised bees that produced gallons of honey each year. Br. Method was a serious friar who lived in Franciscan life with conviction and determination.

He died on Oct. 30, 1977 in Allegany. Br. Method was 64 years old, a professed friar for 41 years.