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The family of Michael Failes uploaded a photo
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
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The family of Michael Failes uploaded a photo
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
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Karen Close posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Dear Ken, Doris and Patti: I only discovered today about Mike's passing. I was looking him up for some legal advice and I stumbled upon his obituary. We had reconnected professionally having been in the same industry and I attended a few seminars where he was a speaker. This is such a shock - a sad reminder that God can take away a life at it's prime. My brother Ken and I have fond memories of Michael from our days of summer on Avon Bay. My heart is heavy for your loss.
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Randy Bauslaugh posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Dear Lee, I recently learned from Peter Rytek that Michael is no longer with us. I wish to express how sorry I am for your loss. Mike and I played basketball together for a couple of years at Osgoode, and while we didn't stay in touch very often, I still valued the fact that I knew him, called him a friend, and got to experience his enthusiasm and special brand of humour. He was a genuinely "good guy" and fun to be around. This must be a particularly difficult time for you and your family. I can't even recall if we ever met, but if there is anything I can do to be of assistance to you or your family, please do not hesitate to call on me. With deepest sympathy, and profound sadness, Randy Bauslaugh
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Jude Kelly posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
I am devastated. I/we only found out yesterday (Dec. 20) of Mike's passing. After hearing and confirming the news, I broke down and cried. I cannot believe it, yet it is true...I played bball with and against Mike for years and have known him since high school. I grew up in Hamilton and he in nearby Dundas but we only became friends after I moved to Toronto in '86. We had a number of mutual friends and in recent years saw each other a few times a year. We played on some very good teams together over the years and win-lose-or draw, we usually went to the local pub for drinks and funny stories. Mike kept us rolling in the aisles with his tales or wisecracks. He was a true gem, a generous guy with a tremendous wit and sense of humour. And he was a superb basketball player too. On behalf of us ballers who just found out about his passing, our hearts and prayers go out to his family. But I believe the soul is eternal and never dies which means we will all see Mike again one day. Until then...Jude Kelly
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Peter Talibart posted a condolence
Monday, September 26, 2011
Mike was a wonderful mentor, adviser and friend, during my articles and thereafter. He never lost his perspective or his sense of humor and always had time for questions from more junior lawyers despite his own busy schedule. He provides a wonderful example of a person who had good balance in his life. I am a better lawyer, manager and person for having known him and I can only aspire to leave the same impression on upcoming lawyers in my firm as Mike left on me.
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Stephen Wahl posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
I extend my deepest condolences to Michael's Family. Michael and I have faced each other many times at the Labour Board. I have the utmost respect for Michael in his effective labour relations advocacy. He will be missed.
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Carolyne Fowler posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Dear Lee My heart goes out to you and your family at this very sad time. Take care. With deepest sympathy, Carolyne
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Simon Threlkeld posted a condolence
Monday, September 12, 2011
Michael has been a good and true friend to me for over 40 years. I expected Mike would be around basically forever and that we'd most likely be hanging out together from time to time into our 80s. I am very sad and sorry that this is not to be and I offer my heartfelt condolences especially to Lee, Andrew, Linsey, Emily and Pat. I thought it was a beautiful funeral. As my sister has observed "funerals are important." Anyone who knew Mike when he was growing up would have easily recognized the same good guy they knew in everything Stuart said in his tribute. When I was six my mom and dad and me and my sister moved to 36 Oak Avenue on the edge of part of the Dundas/Flamborough escarpment. Unbeknown to me at the time this was an extremely fortunate address because Mike Failes lived at 34 Oak Avenue. We went to different schools grades 1 to 4 and initially did not become friends. In fact we happily became enemies (in a more or less harmless and good natured way). Sometimes we would skirmish along the property line. Mike liked to use a garbage can lid for a shield and a stick for a sword or spear. I just used one large branch. This and similar rather militarized interactions were very much a portent or our later friendship. Mike also furthered my education about property law in those early years - in our skirmishes when I crossed the property line from 36 to 34 Oak Avenue Mike would tell me in a very authoritative voice that I was trespassing on private property and order me off his family's property. For someone 8 or 9 years old he was amazingly good at using the tone of his voice, choice of words and a basic legal concept to create a discomforting sense of wrongdoing with possible undesirable ramifications. When we were 11 I went to the same Greensville school as Mike and we quickly became best friends. As we grew up we read history, played strategy and military games, played pick up sports and engaged in various rambunctious outdoor activities, and typically saw each other every day for years, effortlessly entertaining and engaging ourselves together. According to Mike I was significantly more civilized after spending a year in London, England when I was 10 than I had been previously. The Charge of the Light Brigade was read at the funeral. The Light Brigade had special significance for Mike ever since his Dad Ken got him an excellent Light Brigade toy soldier set in childhood (by the time he was 10 or so, before we became friends) and made them come alive in Mike's childhood imagination. It was Mike's favourite toy soldier set as a child. I always liked Mike's dad and the relation between them, including the sense of humour between them. One day when Mike was a teenager Ken was giving him advice to which he did not seem to be paying a lot of attention. Ken said something like: "You should be taking notes when I tell you these kinds of things. In my life I have not made a lot of money so I won't be leaving you a million dollars. What I can give you is good advice." Mike (with a slight smile): "I'll settle for half a million." Mike was not given half a million any time soon, but after he'd been old enough for a while he was given the family's old station wagon to drive. The gas gauge had at some point stopped working. Unperturbed Mike kept a notepad and pen by his seat on which he recorded mileage so as be able to accurately estimate when a refill was needed. This was somewhat complicated by it only being useful to fill the tank to a certain point as the tank had come to have a hole in it. This was especially a problem on hills, as I recall, due the hole being located more to one end of the tank than the other.
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John Stout posted a condolence
Saturday, September 10, 2011
I had the pleasure of working with Michael on a number of occasions in my previous career as a union side labour lawyer. Michael was a tough opponent who raised every argument on behalf of his client. At the same time, he always conducted himself in a professional manner representing the highest standards in the legal profession. Michael was extremely smart, personable and charming. It was an honour and privilege to work with Michael. His passing is a tremendous loss and my heart goes out to his loved ones who I know he held dear.
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Fernando Reis posted a condolence
Friday, September 9, 2011
On behalf of the legal department of UFCW Local 175 I wish to offer sincere condolences to Mike's family. While we may have found ourselves on opposite sides in the labour relations field, I know that my Union colleagues will agree that Mike was an honourable person and a pleasure to deal with even in the most challenging of circumstances. He had so much more to offer and it is such a terrible loss. He will be missed.
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Paula Knopf posted a condolence
Friday, September 9, 2011
We have lost a fine man and an excellent advocat. Counsel and arbitrators who had the privilege of working with Mike quickly developed a strong affection, respect and admiration for him. We will miss his smile, his professionalism and wonderful sense of humour. He had a lot more to give and it is a real shame that we lost him so soon.
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Paula Knopf posted a condolence
Friday, September 9, 2011
We have lost a fine advocat and a lovely man. Michael was very respected and well liked by arbitrators and other counsel. We will miss his smile, his wit and his strong sense of justice. He had a lot more to give. It is a great shame that we lost him so soon.
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Brian Smeenk posted a condolence
Friday, September 9, 2011
Michael was a fabulous lawyer, great friend and wonderful colleague. And he had a pretty good outside shot. At least, to hear him tell it! I guess he'll be organizing a new team now. The teams and fans he left behind will miss him.
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Andrea Roberts and Brian Naini posted a condolence
Friday, September 9, 2011
Dear Lee My husband and I good friends of Diane and Stuart. Many years ago the six of us and all our children had dinner together one New Year's Eve. We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Kind regards, Andrea and Brian
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Britta Martin posted a condolence
Friday, September 9, 2011
Dear Lee, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you Andrew, Lynsey and Emily at this sad and difficult time. Britta
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Ian Anderson posted a condolence
Friday, September 9, 2011
This is a tremendous loss to the labour relations community. I had the pleasure of having Mike appear before me as counsel in a hotly contested case at the Ontario Labour Relations Board. He was a brilliant lawyer who conducted himself with both integrity and humour. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family.
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Sephen Threlkeld posted a condolence
Friday, September 9, 2011
I am very very sorry and sad to hear of the death of Michael. I did not know him well but was his neighbour for a short while. I am Simon's father.
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Neale Harrison & Family lit a candle
Thursday, September 8, 2011
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We are deeply saddened by the loss of Michael, he will be sorely missed as his humour and bigger than life presence brought many a smile to peoples faces and at times he brought much needed levity to many a situation.
The world has lost a good man but his legacy will remain.
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Susan Tacon posted a condolence
Thursday, September 8, 2011
I regret not being able to express my condolences in person but wish to convey my respects. I speak as an arbitrator: Michael appeared as counsel in hearings with me. He was a highly capable advocate but never let partisanship displace civility. His untimely passing is a great loss to his partners at Filion Wakely and the labour relations community. For you, his family, as well as his friends, this loss must be incalculable. I hope it is some small consolation to know that he was so well regarded in his chosen profession.
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Stephen Raymond posted a condolence
Thursday, September 8, 2011
I was deeply saddened to hear the news this week of Michael's passing. I had the pleasure of being selected as an employment mediator on some of his files. I remember that in every case he was firm, fair and funny! Although he took the position and interests of his client very seriously, you always knew that he was not taking himself too seriously. It was, and is, a wonderfully endearing trait. His loss is tragic not only for his family and his firm but to the labour and employment community. My condolences to his family.
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Lise and John Leonard, Marion Leonard posted a condolence
Thursday, September 8, 2011
What a terrible loss but what a life to celebrate! Mike was so kind to Mom on Rykert and couldn't have been a better neighbour and friend. Lise and I enjoyed our chats with Mike. We looked forward to seeing him out front of his house when we were to either to visit Mom or on a evening walk-this gave us a chance to catch up on each other lives as both of us were at similar stages. He loved the cottage as we all do and still kept on playing Basketball inspite of the "slight knee problem". Mike has left us far far too early and we will miss him so much. Our thoughts are with your family. If we can be of any help please let us know.
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Robert Naccarato & Dino Arci posted a condolence
Thursday, September 8, 2011
our deepest condolence from us at DRM TILE. We had the privileged of having Michael represent our company. He will be missed. We hope he is in better hands with god. Only the good are taken from us early. Our sympathy to his family in this time of grief.
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Andrea D posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Mike was hilarious to work around. This side of the office definitely seems empty without him, as he was often either joking with everyone around the office or he was singing Christmas carols in July and/or the Beach Boys during Christmas. Losing Mike has definitely been hard. He was brilliant, wickedly funny and a handsome guy for sure. It was obvious that he adored his family, as he often told reception that he had a package of something special that was going to be delivered (often a cool toy or gadget for one of the kids). He has inspired me (though we didn't talk that often) to really consider the kind of mark I want to leave when it's my time. Everyone recalls his warmth and amazing sense of humour. That's something to think about!
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Chris Dassios posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
As a lawyer on "the other side" of some of Mike's cases, I came to know and respect him many years ago. He was a smart, capable lawyer, but more importantly a decent guy with a great sense of humour. A case with Mike was always a pleasure because no matter how tawdry, sordid, tedious or depressing the facts, Mike was able to make dealing with the case more pleasant than it otherwise would have been. It is so tragic that someone who spent his career seeking justice for his clients should meet his end in such an unjust way. I'll miss him and my heart goes out to his family.
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Eric Hoaken posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
My sincere condolences to the Failes family. I first met Mike in the fall of 1989 when I was a first year law student at Queens. I was a "witness" in a mock labour arbitration that Mike came down to Kingston to participate in. When I muffed the very first question that he (as my counsel)asked me, he deadpanned to the arbitrator "Perhaps a short adjournment to explore settlement is in order...". He exuded good humour, ability as a lawyer and the crucial quality of not taking himself too seriously (a trait rarely found in lawyers). I had the chance to deal with him on a case a couple of years ago- more than 20 years after we met- and he was exactly the same. His passing is a great loss- mostly for his family but really for all of us.
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Irene Brown posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
My sincerest condolences to the family. Michael was a very special person who always had time to help when a crisis occurred. He was my guiding light when I needed him at my time with Canpar Transport. I always knew I could rely on his knowledge, support and quick wit to see me through. Although I have not spoken with Mike for several years I have often thought of him. He will be missed. Good bye to a good friend. Irene Brown - Ex Canpar HR Manager.
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Carol McLaughlin posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Michael will always be remembered for his willingness to share information with others. I had the pleasure of working with Michael at the HRPA board and government relations level. He will be sadly missed. My sincere best wishes to his family!! He made the world a better place.
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Jill Martin posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
My deepest condolences to Mike's family, and all of Mike's colleagues, especially Janet. Since the early 90's Mike has been my most valued resource. I could count on his professionalism, his quick and vast knowledge of HR Law, and his support during some difficult cases. And, no matter what, I could always count on his sense of humour. When it came to dealing with HR legal matters, I attribute much of my success as an HR Manager to Mike. His personal style and enthusiasm for his job helped me be the best I could be. May the love and support of family and friends comfort you during this very difficult time. Jill Martin
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Dianne Aziz posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Michael acted for me in a really nasty, stressful case in 1992/93. I will never forget him and how hard he worked to win the case and how good he was to me. Just having him there made me feel confident and eased my stress. He was a wonderful, kind, intelligent and funny guy. Please accept my sincere sympathy at his untimely death. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Dianne Aziz
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Mary Gafur posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
My condolences to the family, you brought smiles and brightened everyone's day at the office and I'm sure every where else as well. I will miss you. Mary Gafur
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Danuta Geringer posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Failes family. I have been a client of Micheal for the past 15 years, he was always willing to help, great speaker and lawyer. He will be sadly misses
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Mary Neto posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Failes family. Michael and I worked on a few different employee related matters during my Human Resource Management years. He was always cheerful, willing to help, knowledgeable and easy to deal with on the phone or in person. Very sad news for such a young person.
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David Fors President, General Printers posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
We have been a client of Michael for the past 17 years and not only has he been a great lawyer for us he was always cheery and entertaining. We enjoyed all of our dealings with Michael and looked to him as being a trusted friend. He will be sadly missed. Our condolences to his family.
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The McDonald Family lit a candle
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
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Calvin and I are so sorry for your loss. We want you to know if there is anything we can do for you during this difficult time please don't hesitate to ask.
Sincerely, Andrea and Calvin McDonald
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Ian & Tracey Brown posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
We are so saddened to hear of Mike's passing. He was a wonderful person who touched many lives. We will always remember the "survior" challenges at Silver Lake...a truly wonderful man! xoxo Ian, Tracey, Lucas and Shelby Brown
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Wendy, Brad, Ellie, Annie and Charlotte posted a condolence
Monday, September 5, 2011
Wendy, Brad, Ellie, Annie and Charlotte made a donation to Sunnybrook Foundation re: Hanna Family Chair in Surgical Oncology Research
During this difficult time I would like to extend our most heartfelt sympathies.
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Wendy Morrison posted a condolence
Monday, September 5, 2011
Wendy Morrison made a donation to Sunnybrook Foundation re: Hanna Family Chair in Surgical Oncology Research
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david gerofsky posted a condolence
Monday, September 5, 2011
david gerofsky made a donation to Sunnybrook Foundation re: Hanna Family Chair in Surgical Oncology Research
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Al Parsons posted a condolence
Monday, September 5, 2011
Al Parsons made a donation to Sunnybrook Foundation re: Hanna Family Chair in Surgical Oncology Research
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Willa Black and Donald Jarvis posted a condolence
Monday, September 5, 2011
Willa Black and Donald Jarvis made a donation to Sunnybrook Foundation re: Hanna Family Chair in Surgical Oncology Research
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The Lane Family posted a condolence
Monday, September 5, 2011
The Lane Family made a donation to Sunnybrook Foundation re: Hanna Family Chair in Surgical Oncology Research
We are here for you during this very difficult time. Mike was an amazing man and he will be missed by us all. Sending you lots of love, Robin, Alan, Chloe and Hudson
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Alan and Robin Lane posted a condolence
Monday, September 5, 2011
Alan and Robin Lane made a donation to Sunnybrook Foundation re: Hanna Family Chair in Surgical Oncology Research
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Greg Warren posted a condolence
Monday, September 5, 2011
Greg Warren made a donation to Sunnybrook Foundation re: Hanna Family Chair in Surgical Oncology Research
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Danny Spiroff & Family posted a condolence
Monday, September 5, 2011
Danny Spiroff & Family made a donation to Sunnybrook Foundation re: Hanna Family Chair in Surgical Oncology Research
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Val, Jack Holt & Wendy, Julie and Families posted a condolence
Monday, September 5, 2011
Val, Jack Holt & Wendy, Julie and Families made a donation to
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. From our family to yours, our most heartfelt sympathies. We remember Mike with great affection, we will miss his sharp quirky sense of humour when next we get to Toronto, our love to you and your family
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Paula Knopf posted a condolence
Monday, September 5, 2011
Paula Knopf made a donation to Sunnybrook Foundation re: Hanna Family Chair in Surgical Oncology Research
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Anthony Marano and Mega City Tiling posted a condolence
Monday, September 5, 2011
Anthony Marano and Mega City Tiling made a donation to Sunnybrook Foundation re: Hanna Family Chair in Surgical Oncology Research
During this difficult time I would like to extend my most heartfelt sympathies. My deepest condolences to the family.
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Gina Radin & Family posted a condolence
Monday, September 5, 2011
Gina Radin & Family made a donation to Sunnybrook Foundation re: Hanna Family Chair in Surgical Oncology Research
During this difficult time I would like to extend my most heartfelt sympathies.
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Bob Budgell posted a condolence
Monday, September 5, 2011
Bob Budgell made a donation to Sunnybrook Foundation re: Hanna Family Chair in Surgical Oncology Research
I was so sad to hear this news. I have terrific memories of Mike from the early 1990's when I met him and the rest of the "Rowers" basketball team. His love for the game really stood out. My thoughts are with his family.
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Sandra Hardy (Cadillac Fairview General Counsel) posted a condolence
Monday, September 5, 2011
Sandra Hardy (Cadillac Fairview General Counsel) made a donation to Sunnybrook Foundation re: Hanna Family Chair in Surgical Oncology Research
My condolences on your loss. Mike was an excellent lawyer. He did a lot of work for us at Cadillac Fairview and it was always a pleasure to deal with him. I will greatly miss his energy, wise counsel and sense of humour. He was a wonderful man and I hope that the thoughts and prayers of colleagues will give your family comfort and that time will bring you peace. Sincerely, Sandra Hardy
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John Evans, Evans Law Firm posted a condolence
Monday, September 5, 2011
John Evans, Evans Law Firm made a donation to Sunnybrook Foundation re: Hanna Family Chair in Surgical Oncology Research
During this difficult time I would like to extend my most heartfelt sympathies.
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Britta Martin posted a condolence
Monday, September 5, 2011
Britta Martin made a donation to Sunnybrook Foundation re: Hanna Family Chair in Surgical Oncology Research
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Stephen Raymond and Natasha Vandenhoven posted a condolence
Monday, September 5, 2011
Stephen Raymond and Natasha Vandenhoven made a donation to Sunnybrook Foundation re: Hanna Family Chair in Surgical Oncology Research
During this difficult time we would like to extend our most heartfelt sympathies.
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Stuart Koskie and Carole Bonneau posted a condolence
Monday, September 5, 2011
Stuart Koskie and Carole Bonneau made a donation to Sunnybrook Foundation re: Hanna Family Chair in Surgical Oncology Research
Lee and family, Our deepest sympathies to you and your family on Michael's passing. Your neighbours, Stuart Koskie and Carole Bonneau, 99 Rykert Cres.
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Carl and Lorraine Peterson posted a condolence
Monday, September 5, 2011
Carl and Lorraine Peterson made a donation to Sunnybrook Foundation re: Hanna Family Chair in Surgical Oncology Research
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Irene Bollefer posted a condolence
Monday, September 5, 2011
Irene Bollefer made a donation to Sunnybrook Foundation re: Hanna Family Chair in Surgical Oncology Research
During this difficult time I would like to extend my most heartfelt and sincere sympathy.
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Janice Brown posted a condolence
Monday, September 5, 2011
Janice Brown made a donation to Sunnybrook Foundation re: Hanna Family Chair in Surgical Oncology Research
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. From our family to yours, our most heartfelt sympathies.
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Glenn & Mary Lou Wootton posted a condolence
Monday, September 5, 2011
Glenn & Mary Lou Wootton made a donation to Sunnybrook Foundation re: Hanna Family Chair in Surgical Oncology Research
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. From our family to yours, our most heartfelt sympathies.
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mark cohen posted a condolence
Monday, September 5, 2011
mark cohen made a donation to Sunnybrook Foundation re: Hanna Family Chair in Surgical Oncology Research
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Luanne Wootton Bell and Family posted a condolence
Monday, September 5, 2011
Luanne Wootton Bell and Family made a donation to Sunnybrook Foundation re: Hanna Family Chair in Surgical Oncology Research
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. From our family to yours, our most heartfelt sympathies.
