1925 2017
Obituary of R. Bredin Stapells Q.C.
Stapells, R. Bredin Q.C.
Toronto, August 13, 1925 – Port Hope, November 21, 2017
Suddenly, with the compassionate care of Northumberland Hills Hospital, Cobourg after 92 wonderful years. Bredin’s ever present enthusiasm and curiosity of life was an inspiration for all the lives he touched. He is survived by his three daughters: Victoria, Alexandra, Elizabeth; his three grandchildren: Adrian, Alejandra, Nina; his brother Tony and niece Amanda; his sister-in-law Claire Anne Echlin Santos and all her family; and his godson Robin Coster.
Son of Herbert, who co-founded the Stapells & Sewell law firm, and Edith, an active advocate of the blind, Bredin studied at St Andrews College (Aurora) where he excelled at bagpipes and swimming. A graduate of the University of Toronto, his fraternity was Beta Theta Pi, and he worked on The Varsity where he met his dear wife Beverley (1926-2006). He went on to Osgood Hall, The London School of Economics, and then followed his father’s footsteps in the family firm. A third generation President of the Empire Club (1966-67), his introductory speech to Earl Mountbatten of Burma is a treasure. Bredin was a longstanding member of the National Club.
The Royal Life Saving Society was always very close to his heart, he was President 1973-79, and the Cup in his name continues to recognize training programmes. A founder of the Caledon Ski Club and avid member for 59 years, he was Chairman of the Board in the late sixties. The “Stapells Chair” is one of the trail names, and he had many happy family times at “Lucky Larch”.
Bredin and Beverley lived on Maple Avenue for over 30 years. They then travelled the world from Bermuda to England, and France and Spain where two of their daughters live, yet they always considered themselves true Torontonians, and eventually returned to their city. In 2011, Bredin moved to Hazelton Retirement Home with his companion Bardy Hart and made many friends among the staff and residents. And in December 2016, he went to Port Hope to be close to daughter Elizabeth and her dog “Ferd”. Bredin was warmly welcomed at Empire Crossing. Many many thanks to caregivers Elsa, Lisa and Judith. All kinds of music accompanied him throughout his life and his strong singing voice was an addition to any event right up to his last days. Anyone who knew Bredin remembers his passion for opera and gardening. He leaves this world with a harmonica in one pocket and a chocolate chip cookie in the other.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday December 1 at St James the Less Chapel, 635 Parliament St., Toronto.
In lieu of flower donation can be made to the Lifesaving Society, St. Andrews College, or Opera Canada.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of R Bredin
Stapells QC 1925 2017.source
Death notice for the town of: Port-Hope, Province: Ontario
death notice R Bredin
Stapells QC 1925 2017- mortuary notice R Bredin
Stapells QC 1925 2017