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In Memoriam

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Where Are They Now

Where Are They Now

Richard urston Laprairie ’45

requested no funeral and instructed mourners to send owers to a friend or a donation to Camp Oochigeas - in support of childhood cancer. "Mostly forgoen, now denitely gone!" Richard was a member of the ‘Lap’ LaPrairie clan under the love of his mother, Beatrice Kelly. e clan consisted of Richard, Jules ’42, Leon ’43, Paul ’46, Cliord ’48, Carl ’49, George ’53, Rosemary (deceased), Jacqueline, their spouses, and numerous nieces and nephews over three generations. Richard's clan would like to thank his lovely caregivers: Fely, Rosel, Noemi, Flordeliza, and Sumathy for their dedication to Richard over the past few years.

Martin Flood ’48 died aer a brief illness, on March 6, 2020, at the age of 89. Known as Marty, he was part of the group from St. Vincent de Paul Parish who made up a large part of the St. Mike’s student body back in the 1940s. Names such as George Scholes ’46, Paul Dopp ’48, Walter Clune ’49, Joe DeCourcy ’49, Walter ‘Wally’ Wolotchiuk ’51, and many others, lled the seats in the old downtown Toronto school - a trend that followed into the 1950s. Interested in various sports, Marty played lacrosse in his younger days and hockey up to his late 30s. As a football referee for a number of years, Martin was oen seen on the St. Mike’s eld ociating games. Marty enjoyed a successful sales career in various Ontario locations with companies such as Swis Canada, Dominion Sash, and Simplex Timing Devices, and a long and leisurely retirement with wife, Ruth. Predeceased by his sister, Kathleen, Martin leaves brothers Peter and Harry ’57, as well as other members of his extended family, all of whom grieve his loss.

Don F. Power ’49 died at sunrise on September 16, 2018. Born October 1, 1930, the son of Frederick Joseph and Olive Mary, Don le peacefully for the Maple Leaf Gardens in the sky. He cherished 48 years of marriage to the love of his life, Bey, and 70-plus-years of rink time with Jack Sheedy, Joe Ratchford ’49, Gerry Benteau, June Bonvivere (wife of the late John ’50), Corinne Bambridge (Mr. Power’s Executive Assistant), Dr. Bob Brock ’65, OSM, Dr. Don Killiger, and Don Park, plus all the old timers. Brother of Fred ’47, and uncle of Doug, Don was the beloved father, mentor, and hero of Patrick ’92, Ann-Marie, and Denise, and proud Papa of Lauren and Jake Power, and Abigail and Aidan deBray. Don was a most wonderful man whose humble spirit, love, and smile touched every soul in a room. Don lived his 88 years to the fullest with a few key priorities: family before everything; laugh and dream big; love bigger; play hockey; eat apple pie; and never ever give up. e family would like to thank North York General Hospital, Dr. Bruce Topp, and Dr. Bob for their tremendous care.

Biaggio Joseph ‘Bill’ Leerio ’51

died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on January 17, 2019, at North York General Hospital, in his 86th year. Beloved husband of Velma for 58 years, Bill was the loving father of Don, Bill, George, Elizabeth, and Linda. Cherished Nonno of Michael, Heather, Denise, Holly, Jesse, Blaise, Rocco, Mary Elizabeth, Stephen, George, Danielle, Andrew, Allison, and John Paul, Bill was the great-grandfather of Eleanor, Fionn, and Aiden. Bill was a well-known lawyer in Toronto for 60 years. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel for his dedicated work in the Italian community, including with Italian Immigrant Aid and as Past President of the Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association. Bill was a loving, giving, caring, and sharing individual who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Charles Henry Macoun ’52 died peacefully, on January 27, just a few hours short of his 88th birthday, in London, Ontario. He will be remembered as a very caring and charismatic person who always had time for all. e Macoun household was a revolving door of friends dropping in for an impromptu chat about last night's hockey game or barbeques and fun around the family pool... just because.

Family was rst and foremost with Charlie and that was a constant throughout his life. e boys could count on dad being in the crowd, be it a ball diamond or a hockey arena and they always looked for a nod during warm-up. Charlie was very proud of his three sons and the paths they have all chosen in life. He would express his pride at every opportunity, taking great joy in celebrating their successes. Besides friends and family, Charlie's next great passion was hockey. is passion started with his boys, as a fan and supporter, leading to him becoming president of the Newmarket Minor Hockey Association and, in later years, part of the group that founded the Newmarket 87’s Jr. A team (formerly the Newmarket Hurricanes). He also held several positions within the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) through the years, including time as an OHA director, and chairman of the board of governors of the Ontario Hockey League. Charlie, was honoured for his dedication to the OHA when he received the Gold Stick award in 2003.

Joe McKeown ’53, age 86, le this world on March 20, 2020 to be with his Lord. He was an amazing man: husband, father, grandfather, mentor, businessman, volunteer, friend, and neighbour. Joe was positive, thoughtful, and kind. He lived his Catholic faith. Joe was born in Toronto on October 4, 1933, and early on learned many life lessons from delivering newspapers. A University of Toronto graduate, he had a long and successful career at Upjohn Pharmaceuticals. In 1966, Joe and his young family moved from Toronto to Vancouver and seled in Dunbar, where he became a well-respected member of Immaculate Conception Parish and a humble, friendly, and positive neighbour for many years. Aer retirement, Joe seled down to a relaxed pace of life, living every day like a Saturday. Joe is survived by Winnie, his wife and best friend of 59 years, siblings, Frank '50, Gerald '56, and Rosemarie, children, Brian, Marylee, Joanne, Danny, Suzanne, and Patrick, and ve grandchildren. e family thanks the sta at Youville Residence for taking great care of Joe. Jim Gregory ’55, OSM died peacefully, at home with his family, on October 30, 2019, in his 84th year. Loving husband of 60 years to Rosalie, Jim was the beloved father of Andrea, David, Valerie, and Maureen, and cherished Grampa to Remington, Katherine, Greyson, Lyle, Kade, Greg, Erik ’13, Rachel, Eric, Christopher, Valerie, Nicholas, and Pamela, and great-grandfather to Ben and Wes. Sadly missed brother of Gary, Rosemary, Sharon, Patrick, and Cheri, Jim was predeceased by his sister, Gloria, and brother, Raymond. Brother-in-law to Rosalie’s sisters, Norma and Rita, and the predeceased Elaine, Jim was also predeceased by his parents Henry and Pearl, and his in-laws, Louis and Laura Bruno. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the St. Michael's College School Jim Gregory ’55 Bursary.

Fr. Chris Rupert ’55, SJ, died on October 16, 2019, in supportive care at Lakeridge Hospital, in Oshawa. He was 82 years old and a Jesuit for 60 years. Born in Belleville, Ontario, he was the son of omas Harry Rupert and Regina Mary Harrison, and the brother of Roy ’57 and Angus ’65. A St. Michael’s boarder, who thereaer aended the University of St. Michael’s College, Fr. Chris, as he liked to be known, remained in contact with many of his high school classmates until his passing. Ordained a priest in 1975, Fr. Rupert received a doctoral degree in theology through the Toronto School of eology at the University of Toronto. He taught at Wheeling Jesuit College in West Virginia and at Lakehead University. Fr. Chris designed formation courses for deacons and laity in both the Hamilton and Toronto dioceses. He was an avid researcher into the many forms of prayer and published extensively. Fr. Rupert loved doing pastoral ministry and served with zeal in many parishes – St. Andrew’s (under Bay), Holy Rosary (Guelph), St. Joseph the Worker (Oshawa), and Holy Spirit (Scarborough). Fr. Chris also helped in many other parishes, was chaplain for the Knights of Columbus in Scarborough and in Durham Region, and designed and personally cared for the grounds at the Manresa Renewal Center in Pickering. In June of 2019, he suered a debilitating stroke, which ended his pastoral ministry and his gardening. Fr. Chris was much loved by his family, many friends, and the Jesuits.

Gary Benedet ’57 died on October 20, 2019, at Huntsville Memorial Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Frances, and much loved father of Fanny and Joseph. Gary will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren, Cole, Shaw, B.J., Zach, Jack, and Henry, and his great grandchildren, Layla, Bronson, Mason, Jason, Olivia, and Eliza. He will be missed by his siblings Dolores and Paul, his many friends, neighbours, and other relatives. Gary was an avid Maple Leafs fan and his friends and foes will miss their discussions about hockey games. In keeping with Gary’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

Vito D'Aolico ’62 died on February 18, 2020, at the age of 77. He was loved and cherished by many people including his wife Elizabeth, his daughters, Rosemarie and Angela, his grandchildren, Benjamin, Sophia, and Abigail, and his siblings, Maria, Nicloa, and Joe ’70. Born in Modugno, Bari, Italy, in 1942, he immigrated to Canada in 1955 with his parents and siblings.

Nicola ‘Nick’ Ciavarella ’63 of Vancouver, B.C., died on December 22, 2019. Born September 23, 1943, Nick was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1998. With courage and optimism, he was able to live a full and satisfying life. Nick was born in San Marco in Lamis, Foggia, Italy. He came to Toronto at age seven and embraced Canadian culture while maintaining his Italian roots. He went to St. Peter's Elementary School, St. Michael's College School, where he was president of the Student Council in 1962-63, the University of Windsor, and the University of British Columbia. He moved to Vancouver in the late 60s and became a psychology instructor at the new Langara College. Nick oen visited his family in Toronto and had many passions. He learned Italian, sang in the Italian Choir, gave public lectures, supported and contributed to the Italian Cultural Centre of Vancouver, wrote prose and poetry, and was a self-taught recorder and guitar player. Nick is survived by his wife Gail, son Giulio, adopted son Maeo, sister Anne Mauro, brother John ’64, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom were dear to him. Nick’s family will miss him dearly. David omas King ’65, a Renaissance man with a wicked sense of humour and a loving heart, died peacefully, at home, on March 2, 2020, in his 74th year, with his best friend and forever love, Deborah, by his side. David was a retired building ocial with the City of Mississauga change to who considered himself considered himself fortunate to work with a diverse range of people over many years. At work and elsewhere, he was always happy to share his vast knowledge with those who sought his counsel. Predeceased by his parents, Verna and omas, David was the cherished husband of Deborah and the beloved, devoted father of Christopher. David will be deeply missed, but forever in his family’s hearts. It gives his family great solace that he is at peace and has been reunited with his much-loved Bulldog, Winston. As David was an avid gardener, the family will host a celebration of life, at a later date, in the garden that David enjoyed and nurtured with such care for more than 35 years. e family would like to thank David's long-time family physician, Dr. Stephen Lo, for going above and beyond in his dedication and support over the years.

John ‘Jack’ Daley ’66 passed away in the early hours of February 28, 2020 aer a short, but courageous bale with cancer. Predeceased by his parents, John and Marie, Jack leaves behind his loving wife of 48 years, Carolyn, and their children, Jennifer, Mahew, and Elizabeth. Jack was the loving and doting Pop-Pop of Nathanael, Jonah, omasin, Noah, Sophie, Henry, and Lauren. He is also survived by his sisters, Cathy Daley and Anne Charters-Klaver. Jack's career in publishing and advertising took his family from Toronto, across Eastern Canada, and back to Ontario again, nally seling in Windsor-Essex. He was a well-respected colleague and mentor to many. He will be dearly missed, especially by his family, whose time with him was cut too short.

Brian Joseph McKay ’69, actor, director, playwright, mentor, father, and friend died on February 6, 2020, just hours shy of his 70th birthday, at Greenwood Court long-term care facility, in Stratford, Ontario. Brian fought valiantly these past years against an aggressive neurological disorder known as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Brian never let his ailment dene him. As always, he remained the passionate, larger than life personality that everyone blessed to know him adored. Brian enjoyed a hugely successful career, which brought him to stages across North America (including Broadway), the United Kingdom, and Japan. His soaring voice was a staple on CBC Television over the decades, including a production of his own one-man show ‘Come By e Hills’, which earned him one of his two ACT Awards nominations for Best Variety Performance in Television. He also won for the CBC production, ‘Clowns’. He was twice nominated for a Dora Mavor Moore Award for his work in the theatre. He performed with and directed some of the biggest names in theatre and television in North America and was privileged to consider these people friends. Apart from performing and directing, Brian was an avid teacher. A true veteran of Canadian theatre, one of his greatest passions was nurturing young talent and helping the industry grow. Brian's desire to nourish was not restricted to the theatre. His was a personality that constantly recognized and thanked people for their eorts no maer their discipline or position.

Joseph ‘Joe’ Raerty ’69, born to, and predeceased by, Joseph and Kathleen on May 5, 1951, in Dublin, Ireland, le this world behind on March 23, 2018 at the age of 66. Joe was a jack-of-all-trades. Once a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, he was also an actor, model, radio DJ, emergency medical technician, private investigator, and telecommunications guru. His children thought of him as a human encyclopaedia. He loved to read and was well versed on many topics. Joe, who referred to himself as ‘the Master of B.S.’, had a charisma that could draw anyone into conversation. Joe enjoyed playing guitar and loved music. Some of his favourites included John Denver, e Eagles, Gordon Lightfoot, and e Beatles. He also loved dabbling in photography, and learning about anything related to WWI and WWII. Joe was a comical man, was very animated, and loved to tell stories. He had a way of brightening a room without even trying. You could always count on him for anything, especially if you needed a ashlight or a pair of needle nose pliers. Joe is survived by his ‘Wild and Crazy Raerty Circus’, which includes his wife of 40 years, Lee, his children, Alexandra, Carey, Lauren, and David, and his lively bunch of grandchildren, as well as his sister, Annee, and nephew, Ma Lewers. Lastly, he leaves behind his faithful and loyal dogs, Gus and Elle.

Ludvik Jakopin ’76 was called peacefully by God at Hamilton General Hospital, on June 28, 2019. Born January 13, 1958, Ludvik was a loving husband, dad, son, brother, uncle, son-in-law, brother-in-law, teacher, mentor, friend, and example of perseverance. Ludvik was the brother-in-law of Joseph Mauko ’90, and uncle of Stan ’89, Andre ’92, and Mark Intihar ’95, and John Jakopin ’94. e family would like to thank the incredible sta at Hamilton General Hospital, Cardiac Care Unit for their exceptional care.

Oliver Favero ’86, beloved son, husband, father and brother, died on April 25, 2020 at the age of 52. Dr. Favero was the the cherished son of Adele and Renato (predeceased), beloved husband of Rosa Lio, and loving father of Peter Renato ’26 and Leo Serano ’26, and loved uncle of Sarah, Ryan, and Lisa, Oliver will be forever remembered by his sister Sonia and holds a special place in the hearts of his mother-in-law, Cristina and his brother's in law and sister's in law Mike, Emilia, Liliana, and Domenic. He was a great Zio to Annamaria, Cristina, Carina, Micaela, Joseph, Fenton, and Cormac. A tribute and celebration of his life will be held at a later date, when it is safe to do so.

John Wassenaar ’92 died on October 14, 2019, aer a bale with cancer. John leaves behind his parents, Dr. Willem Wassenaar and Rosemary WassenaarOstrowski, brothers, Christopher ’90 and Daniel '95, sister, Dr. Catherine, and stepmother, Dr. Hsiao-Ming Jung. John was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in the spring of 2013. He relentlessly fought the disease throughout many surgeries and dozens of rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, all the while pursuing his passion for stock trading. Not to be deterred by his initial cancer diagnosis, John completed his third exam for the Certied Market Technician designation while receiving a chemotherapy infusion. John grew up in the Leaside neighbourhood and graduated from St. Michael's College School. He went on to become an American Division One collegiate scholarship track and eld athlete, distinguishing himself academically by obtaining a perfect score on the senior investment exam during his graduating year at the Wallace E. Carroll School of Management at Boston College. John was a trader with Virtu Financial, formerly known as ITG Financial. John previously held trading positions in Toronto, New York, Connecticut, and Bermuda, during a career with Investors Bank and Trust, CF Global, National Bank Financial, and Olympia Capital International. When he was not stalking the trading oor, you could nd John out on a shing charter somewhere warm or cheering on his nieces and nephews in their latest adventures.

PLEASE ALSO REMEMBER FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF THE ST. MICHAEL’S COMMUNITY

Fr. Alphonse de Valk, CSB died peacefully at Scarborough General Hospital on April 16, 2020. Fr. Alphonse was born in Roerdam, Netherlands, on March 27, 1932. He was predeceased by his parents Martien and Christina Lutkie, and by his brothers Mahew, Charles, Neil, and Peter. He is survived by his sisters-in-law, Mary Joan and Patricia. He entered the Congregation of St. Basil and was professed in 1962. Aer studies in Toronto at the University of St. Michael’s College and St. Basil’s Seminary, he was ordained a priest in 1965. Subsequently, his priestly ministry was mostly as a teacher at St. omas More College (Saskatoon) and St. Joseph’s College (Edmonton). Fr. Alphonse was very active with Campaign Life and was editor of Catholic Insight magazine. In 1985 he was assigned to live at Soulerin House at St. Michael’s College School. In November 2018, Fr. Alphonse moved to the Basilian Fathers’ retirement community at Presentation Manor in Scarborough.

Daniel ‘Dan’ Salvatore Nicholson

died with his children by his side, on April 28, 2020, aer suering a catastrophic stroke. Born March 3, 1949, he is survived by his loving family, Sheila, Philip ’06, Andrew ’07, and Stephen ’07, as well as his mother and brother, many in-laws, nephews, and nieces. Dan was well known due to his many interests. He taught for 17 years at Our Lady of the Assumption elementary school and 14 years at St. Michael's College School, and was still in contact with many former students and colleagues. He spent many hours at both schools coaching teams and organizing extra-curricular activities. He was also involved in working at hockey camps and in refereeing hockey games for several organizations. Aer retiring from teaching, he began a second career doing photography for dierent leagues, as well as special occasions for friends. Dan's passion for sports led him to develop many long friendships in the memorabilia world and he derived much pleasure in travelling to trade shows and to many dierent sports-related events. He was an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan and enjoyed traveling to both minor and major league games. Over the past decade, he went on many organized baseball tours, geing to all but one major league park, as well as to spring training games in Florida, where he made new lifelong friends. Dan was a truly wonderful person and will be very much missed by many people, especially his family. Due to current circumstances there was a private service aended by his immediate family.

Alfredo Fernandes, father of Manuel ’84; Ermanno Cieri, father of Adrian ’84; Mary Du, wife of Les ’54; Antonija Filipovic, mother of Leonardo ’82 and Tomislav ’90; Rocco Mario Di Donato, father of Pat ’75 and Nick ’76, OSM, and grandfather of Justin ’08 and Luca ’11; Antonio Lamanna, grandfather of Ryan Fazl ’22; Louise Marie Pantaleo, mother of Jim ’79 and Nick ’76; Maurice Bradley, grandfather of Benjamin ’23; Mary Dri, wife of Ricardo ’81 and mother of Victor ’09 and Gordon ’11; Jean Bayley, mother of Mark ’81, Nicholas ’82, Andrew ’84, and Chris ’85, and grandmother of Spencer ’12, Adam ’19, Christopher ’20, and Michael ’21; Ann Marie Smith, wife of Jason, former SMCS Director of Facilities, mother of Grant (2014-17) and Ryan (2014-17); Brenda Dejak, wife of Frank ’73; Jackie Kratz, long time supporter of the SMCS Buzzers and mother of former SMCS science teacher Brent ’76; Lorne Melara, brother-in-law of Rosalie and the late Jim Gregory ’55, OSM; Edidio Masci, grandfather of Joseph ’19 and Maeo Arcadi ’21; Fred Collins, grandfather of Christopher ’12 and Kenneth (2012), and Mitchell Mehling ’12; Carmen Mel, grandfather of Evan Lucchese ’22; Mykola Swyntuch, father-in-law of George Shust, former faculty member; omas Harasti, father of Peter ’94; Giuseppe Tersigni, grandfather of Christopher ’08 and Nicholas ’11; Rosemary Fischer, mother of David Fischer, Director of Admissions; Evelyn Douglas, grandmother of William Dale ’24.

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