Over the past years I had the honour and privilege of working with Stan on the night shift as taxi-cab drivers. We spent many nights together, sitting outside of bars, making the thrilling sojourns into the blackened mystery of the wilderness surrounding Kirkland Lake, and revelling in our freedom. As a taxi-cab driver, Stan worked hard and with pride. Hours are long for drivers; business can go from non-stop to non-existent in a heartbeat. Thankfully, during the down times, I had the chance to watch movies, discuss music, current events, politics, religion and technology with him. Stan was a true gentleman. He judged people and events on their own merits. I bore witness to him demonstrating a profound understanding of the difference between right and wrong on a daily basis. Stan lived and breathed integrity. Furthermore, Stan was a kind, caring, compassionate person. He was shy, though he could inject knowledge and experience into any conversation when so inclined. Stan was intensely literate on a range of topics from history and geography to mathematics and music. He had read countless novels and non fiction books. He also watched a plethora of movies and followed the careers of the writers, directors and actors associated with them. I will never forget watching movies with Stan, and listening to his explanations of the symbolism and metaphors presented. There can be no greater sorrow than a mother outliving her children, and Mrs. O’Brien, Helen, is in my thoughts and prayers, as are Stan’s brothers Peter and Patty, and his sister Tracey, whom I have never had the pleasure of meeting. I am certain that Stan himself would scold anyone who was unable to find meaning in his death. For through his life, cut brutally short, he improved the lives of others and without him the world would be a lesser place. Stephen Sinclair