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John LAVIN

1921 - 2020

John LAVIN obituary, 1921-2020, Toronto, ON

BORN

1921

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

CLOSED-R.S. Kane Funeral Home

6150 Yonge Street

Toronto, Ontario

John LAVIN Obituary

JOHN LAVINNovember 29, 1921 - June 5, 2020Cherished husband of Kathleen and devoted father of nine children, departed from his earthly life on June 5, 2020. He died peacefully at home with family members at his bedside. John lived his ninety-eight years with fidelity to his family, his faith, his nation and his profession. He will be sadly missed. John was born to Mary Halliwell and John Lavin in 1921. They lived in Wigan, Lancashire, UK, where his grandparents had settled after leaving Ireland. Indeed, the population of the town included many descendants of Irish immigrants. John is survived by his sister Arabelle, and predeceased by his brothers Walter, Michael and Austin, and his sister Mary. Volunteering for the Royal Air Force at the age of 19, he hoped to become a pilot but after a stint teaching gunnery in Rhodesia, his squadron had moved on and subsequently he joined Squadron 454 of the Royal Australian Air Force on the way to theatres of war. He remained with the Australian crew for the duration of his wartime service and made lifelong friends. John's position as an upper-mid-gunner in the Baltimore and Wellington planes was dangerous and with an estimated life span of only nine missions. He flew at least 80 missions from Tunisia, Egypt, the Mediterranean and Greece. He was demobilized in 1946 with the rank of Flight Lieutenant. Like many veterans, John was restless in civilian life and decided to pursue a career in teaching. He met Kathleen - also a veteran - at a teacher's college in Chorley, Lancashire. Both obtained positions in Hull, Yorkshire, UK, Kathleen's hometown and they were married in 1949. In 1954, John, Kathleen and their three small children, sailed to Canada on the RMS Franconia. John began his Canadian teaching career in Sarnia, ON. He was appointed as the Principal of a two-room school in Point Edward but had to teach Grades 1 - 4 and also fulfilled the role of janitor with an additional $500 per annum. This enabled John and Kathleen to put a down payment on a house. In Hull, he had begun a degree in Classics which he completed during the summer at Western University in London, ON. He later earned an M.Ed. at the University of Toronto. In Sarnia, four more children were welcomed into the busy family. John was appointed a School Inspector in 1961 but the move to Toronto was marred by the death of infant daughter Anne-Marie who was a victim of cystic fibrosis about which little was known. John began a long career as an educational leader for the Metropolitan Separate School Board. He served as an Assistant Director in three of the four Metro districts, overseeing many new schools in the surging Metro population. Included was St. Timothy's in North York where the Lavins were a founding family. John's quiet dignity, integrity, compassion and focus on Catholic values informed his professional role and he acted as a mentor to staff, colleagues and numerous teachers. His legacy is the influence he had on teachers and children, still remembered and spoken about. John loved his home in Willowdale where he built several additions to the house and tended his two very fruitful apple trees. In retirement years he and Kathleen travelled extensively - Sanibel-Captiva in Florida, Israel, Portugal and Australia, for example. The cottage at Farlain Lake near Penetanguishene proved to be a popular place for family gatherings, chats around a firepit, with John enjoying a daily single malt scotch. John's eight surviving children all gave incredible emotional and practical support to both parents during this sad and trying time: Patricia Mary (John), Michèle Maria (Don), Peter Damian (Judith), Shelagh Mary (Shane), Aileen Rosemary (Stephen), Mary Eleanor (Skip), John Paul (Isolina) and Jane Frances Mary (Don). Grandchildren, now adults, deserve to be mentioned for their support and compassion during John's late-life dementia - Melanie, Katie, Andrew and Sheila; Kerry, Luke, Jesse, Caitlin, Skye and Brittany; Madeleine and Alice; Sebastian; Heather, Christopher and Michael; and Olivia-Rose and Marie Anne-Sophie. We should also include our oldest great-grandchild Olivia Marie, now a university student. We offer our sincere gratitude to Dr. Eva Seto, John's regular physician and the palliative care team at The Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care at Mount Sinai Hospital, in particular Dr. Albert J. Kirshen and nurse Steve Vickers whose care for John was exceptional and comforting. We also want to thank Fr. Daren Bryk, CC of St. Timothy's parish for his visits and spiritual direction. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Mustard Seed (Fontbonne Ministries) or Food for the Hungry (fh.org). A private family funeral has been held. A memorial Mass and a celebration of John's life will be held later. Memorial condolences may be made at www.rskane.ca

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Published by The Globe and Mail from Jun. 13 to Jun. 17, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for John LAVIN

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8 Entries

Lorie Gols

March 9, 2021

On behalf of my father George Gols, we want send our heart felt condolences to Kathleen & her family. My parents met John & Kathleen at South Seas, where they looked forward to seeing them when they went down. What an amazing life John led. My mother Corinne passed May 5th & I've been going thru her correspondences & I've enjoyed reading the letters she received from Kathleen. I tried to find a contact # to call but was unsuccessful. My dad is still in Wayland MA if anyone wishes to reach out.

Anne Boyd

July 15, 2020

On behalf of the family of Helen and Phil McAllister l wish to extend our sincere sympathy to Mrs Lavin and family.I remember meeting you several times over the years.
I wanted you to know Mrs Lavin that Helen passed away on April 9,2020 at the Houses of Providence. She also was 98. We have not had a funeral or reception due to the pandemic but hopefully in the not too distant future.
Again our hearts are with you.
Anne (McAllister) Boyd

Fran pileggi-Costantino

June 20, 2020

will always remember his gentleness and Christian professional manner with his warm smile..heartfelt condolences, Fran Pileggi-Costantino

Rina Zeni

June 20, 2020

I worked as John's assistant for 11 years and he was definitely a good and fair person. He gave me the confidence to work with the staff in the regional office and we worked well together. He taught me how to make a good cup of tea which he enjoyed for a mid break but he also taught me the meaning of being a fair person.
Please accept my sincere condolences to you Kathleen and to all your family.
He will be truly missed.

Rina Zeni

Margaret Anne Darby née Lloyd

June 20, 2020

John Lavin was my maternal cousin - his Mum Mary Alice & my Mum Lilian Mary (Lily) were sisters although they were separated by 23 years, my Mum was the youngest of 13 children while John's Mum was the eldest.
After both John's parents died in 30s John & his 5 siblings were looked after by the Aunties & Grandma. They were all very close.
I corresponded with John after my parents died in 1987 & loved his letters about his family & life in Canada. He told me about being the go between when my Mum & Dad were courting - taking notes & messages between them!
Also his playing gooseberry when they had evenings in playing cards for pennies. They couldn't be alone before marriage.
How wonderful.
He led an amazing life & I'm proud to say he's part of my family.

I send my love & sympathies to Kathleen & the whole Lavin family of whom there are very many!
Cousin Anne xx

June 16, 2020

On behalf of the family of Helen and Phil McAllister I extend our sincere sympathy to you Mrs Lavin and your children and grandchildren.
Mr. Lavin was a true gentleman.
Sadly my mother Helen passed away on April 9, 2020 at the Houses of Providence. She also was 98.
I will always be grateful for the help you both gave my son Stephen at
St. Edward's school.
Again our deepest regards.
Anne McAllister Boyd

Gerald Blake

June 15, 2020

Terry and I wish to offer sincere condolences to you Kathy and the family. We offer our thoughts and prayers. John was a remarkable person. May he rest in peace!

Nancy Leo

June 15, 2020

When our family moved to Toronto (Willowdale) in 1963, the Lavins lived three doors away. Their eldest daughter Pat and I became friends. My sister and the Lavins' daughter, Mary became fast friends, too. When I went into teaching in 1969, I did some practice teaching at St. Timothy's and taught Shelagh in grade 3, and when I transferred to St. Gabriel's school, Mr. Lavin was my superintendent. After all these years, I still can't call him, John. He was always Mr. Lavin to me. He had a quiet dignity, but was kind and fair as a superintendent. I used to run into his wife, Kathy as she was also in education. Kathy had a more lively outgoing personality, but their characters were well suited. They attended St. Timothy's church as did my parents. What a long and wonderful life Mr. Lavin had. Sincere condolences to the Lavin family.

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6150 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M2M 3W9