MOVING EXCERPTS FROM RECENT TORONTO STAR MEMORIALS

‘Lang had an exuberance that made him dance with abandon ... and hang on to that final “youuuu” once everyone stopped singing “Happy Birthday” ’

STEFAN LANG 1930 — 2021

Although small in stature, Lang’s will, ingenuity and stamina were colossal. A master mason, he immigrated from Germany in 1956 with his family. He ran his own contracting company, and continued to lay bricks well into his 80s. He waltzed whenever there was music playing, sang in his parish choir and roasted six chickens every Sunday. Lang had an exuberance that made him dance with abandon, flirt easily, and hang on to that final “youuuu” once everyone stopped singing “Happy Birthday.” His children will remember him playing the mundharmonika, singing “Edelweiss,” and waltzing with their mom forever.

VERNA M. HAMMILL 1920 — 2021

Hammill died peacefully at the age of 101. She was very well known in the Dupont and Dufferin area where she sold Avon products and worked at Reitman’s at Dufferin Mall. She was the epitome of strength and determination until her death.

RAYMOND BAIN 1933 — 2021

Bain was born in Liverpool, England, and immigrated to Canada in 1957 in search of his fortune. In 1964, he married his wife, Barbara, who predeceased him by 11 days. Bain built a career in commercial real estate with A.E. Lepage (which later became Royal Lepage), before transitioning into a retirement full of the activities he and Barbara enjoyed: travel, tennis, the Rolls Royce club, and time spent at their cottage. Bain and Barbara offered generous support for Down syndrome research, and were closely involved with children and adults with Down syndrome, including their son, David, and his many friends.