Morton BAIN

I remember Morton Bain only too well. History notes, left to right, top to bottom across the complete blackboard. He was a real pro, a gentleman, a cool dude, fair and strict. He was really fond of his white Austin Healy convertible. Man could he coach basketball. He was an all around fabulous teacher and person. I am very sorry to hear of his passing and I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to his family.

I wasn't aware of Mr. Bain's passing until today and it brought tears to my eyes. He was my first contact at VHS in 1960 and became my mentor and hero for the 2 years I was fortunate enough to have him as a teacher. His greatest ability was to inspire a desire to learn. He, surreptitiously, arranged for us to have a few transistor radios smuggled into the classroom so we could listen to Alan Shepard's first space flight because "history is being made and we should hear it". Of course, all the blackboards in the room were covered with History note outlines...."to be completed by tomorrow morning!".
In my thoughts daily and always with love and respect. Be very proud of your husband and father, Bain family, he truly was the best.

My condolences to Mort's family

Mort was an outstanding teacher and a better human being. He was the rarest of persons in that he genuinely cared about the welfare of his students. I can not imagine my life without Mort Bain. I looked up to and admired him. Long after I graduated from McGill in 1980, he was always in my corner during a period where it was very difficult for a young teacher to find meaningful work. He was at the same time the smartest person I ever knew and the most down to earth. The world was a better place because of Mort and his concern for other people. He always supported the underdog and he left an enduring imprint on the minds and memories of his students. My thoughts go out to Joan and the family at this difficult time.
Jimmy Manson
Cowansville, Quebec

Dear Joan, I just learned about Mort's passing while in Truro last week. Words cannot express how saddened I am for you and your family. I remember meeting Mort and thinking what a great guy he was. Know that Jim and I are thinking about you and keeping you in our prayers. Love, Marilyn and Jim

I have fond memories of Mort starting in the early 1970s when "the Bains" were good friends with my parents and our families shared summer houses in the country several years in a row. He and my father remained close friends for many years. Mort and Joan were regular guests at Boxing Day parties we would have at our house. I always enjoyed talking about politics and history with him.

Mort was my grade 8 teacher at Verdun High. We always remember those teachers who challenged us but were kind and sensitive at the same time. Patricia Birkett, Rouses Point, NY

Morton Bain and I lived on Melrose Ave in Verdun for many years. I use to wait on my door step and we would walk together to VHS. We also attended First Pres Church and I remember his parents well. He was always a shy and kind gentleman
My condolences to his family.
How wonderful that you all had him in your life
Janet Wade (Maddeaux)

I did'nt know Megan's father but can only imagine what he must of been like to raise such a gifted daughter.... May he live within your heart and soul always.... My condolences to you and your family and friends. Craig

Mort was my basketball coach for one year in Truro at CCA and that one year is indelibly etched in my mind and my heart.
He taught all of us on the team so much more than just b'ball.
Go bless you Mort

Mort was a good friend of our dad, Cameron Leslie, and they shared many laughs and a few scotches together. I remember seeing Mort at get-togethers in Dorval & the laurentians. - Our sympathies.

Mort and I attended Mt. Allison at the same time - I considered him a good friend. Sincere condolences to the family. Jim Florian

Mort was my grade 8 home room teacher at Verdun High School. He was simply the best teacher I ever had. He made history "come alive" and inspired me to become a history teacher as well. Ironically, I also taught at VHS before moving to Ontario where I eventually became a secondary school principal. Over the years, I have come in contact with so many teachers. None could hold a candle to Mort. He was a mentor and a role model. My condolences to Mort's family and friends.
Ross Dawe _ Wasaga Beach, Ontario

Our family has so many fond memories of this amazing man. Mort Bain spent many hours talking about education with Dad and solving the problems of the world. We cherish the wonderful memories of his great laugh and the friendship with Joan and Mort. Joan, our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Shirley and the Henchey Family

To the family of a special man
I worked with Mort when he was History Consultant and I was a Dept head,
He was a special man of many talents, He knew more about some things than anyone I knew. I loved baseball until I went to an Expos game with him and discovered how much I didn't know.
He was easy to talk to and had a winning smile.
I hadn't seen him in a while since I moved to Vancouver but thought of him often and will certainly never forget him.

I work in Music with Megan a delightfully talented individual who was truly her fathers daughter as they say.....my sincere condolences to the family.

Morton Bain was my 8th grade Home Room teacher at Verdun High. I remember him fondly. He also worked with me and my oldest friend Martin Bowman on the production of Noye's Fludde . It is good to remember those who were part of one's life, especially as a young person.

Brian H. O. A. McHugh, B.A., M.Div
Silver City NM

Morton was a great family man and a gifted teacher. Conversation with him was always meaningful and enjoyable. He had a particular love and understanding of Canada.

He will be missed.

I am the lucky fellow who married Mort & Joan's daughter, Megan. Unfortunately, when I had the opportunity to meet Mort, he was already quite sick. My sincere condolences to a wonderful family who often tell wonderful stories of Mort's passions like history, baseball & jazz. Stories which we plan to pass down to Mort's grandson Jackson. Rest easy Mort.

I was fortunate to have had Morton Bain as a teacher at McGill in 1985 and to have had many an interesting discussion with him when I would bump into him on the bus ride into the city or in the West Island in the years following my time at McGill. My condolences to the family.

Farewell Morton John - my great colleague, mentor and friend. I have fond memories of your joy for life, your love of reading and jazz, discussing ideas that matter and your genuine, principled dealings with everyone you touched.

Carol joins me in sending sympathy to his dearly loved Joan and the family.

Elegance manifests itself in many forms...Morton was elegant.

Morton was a mentor! Always willing to discuss and equally willing to debate, Mort dealt with all with an ethical sense second to none. A debate was best served over beer (or single malt scotch) and emotion and table pounding were quite in order. Then, a solid hug to bring emotions into check.

I will greatly miss my friend Morton, and the Faculty of Education at McGill University is not likely to see one as passionate regarding the teaching of History for a long time to come.

Mort, you will now be able to discuss baseball with the greats and indulge your passion for reading. A long life served well with impact upon many!

Jon Bradley
Montreal, QC

I spent several years at Verdun High School with Mort Bain. We were team mates on the Senior Basketball team, we walked back and forth to school together, along with Don Harris. He was the 'sparkplug' point guard. A friend to everyone he met. An achiever.
Sincere condolences to his family from Vic Coveduck, in Florida.

Our sincere sympathy to the family.Mort was always dear to us. Indeed we always embraced each other when we met years after he became our ex brother-in-law.
Herta and Frank

I was a student of "Mr. Bain's" at Westmount High School in the 60's. He imbued a love of history for me. He had an energy that filled the classroom and he always treated the students with respect.

Mort ("Don't call me Professor!") was my teacher at McGill in 1976-77. He taught me that it was all about relationships with students, not about content. We had lots of interesting discussions in his class and office. His denim shirt, (shark tooth?) necklace and constant smile are among my strongest memories of my time at the Education Faculty. He pushed me to be a better teacher. My condolences to his family.

Mort was my friend for 40 years, and was one of the most principled persons I have known. I miss his warmth and his generosity -- but most of all the passionate arguments he so enjoyed.