“Good things happen when you hit the ball hard”

The visitation for David Stickney was scheduled to start at 4 p.m. in the William Lea room but the staff of the Humphrey Funeral Home was busy well before 3.30 with the arriving mourners  The large meeting room was crowded for fully two-and-a-half hours before things began to thin as the clock neared 6 p.m. No doubt there would be an after dinner representation as well. The superb presentation of pictures, sports apparel and memorabilia was scheduled to be there until 8 p.m.

On this loveliest of days — some might have called it baseball weather — hundreds of people paid their respects to Mr. Stickney and his family. It was clear as well that many found comfort in the company of others who loved Dave Stickney. Youthful teen faces and those with somewhat less-young faces mixed with men and women of the 1940s and beyond. Countless former students and members of the Leaside softball team he had coached had different memories from those held by his buddies. But everyone had a common assessment of this honourable man who had graced their lives.  All present seemed to find strength in their shared knowledge of the coach who died at the age of 71 watching a baseball game a week ago.

There were many recollections. A young pitcher now graduated from Stick’s softball team recalled the friend and mentor who told her: “Good things happen when you hit the ball hard.” That, of course, is what Dave Stickney did with his entire life. The memories evoked from the display of Stick’s jackets and wind breakers over the years were vivid even for those who had not lived through those times. The Boy Scout shirt of the 82nd Glenmoore Troop, a name that serves to this day we believe. A well-worn cold weather zippered coat proudly said the wearer was a congregant of Leaside United Church. Mr. Stickney’s funeral will be at that much-loved old church next Monday, May 25, 2015. The U of T Engineering jacket, Year of 1965, seemed to shine with professional pride. Family members had set out some of the favorite music Stick had shared. Albums by Johnny Cash and Fats Domino told of the fun of that time.

Sunday’s reception seems to have come as close to being a general meeting of the community of Leaside as you are likely to have. The thick book of remembrances was filled more than half-way at 4.30 p.m. and the lineup went around the west wall of the Lea Room. Councilor Jon Burnside was seen entering about ten after five. It was a stand up event, as was proper. Oh yes, there were chairs for the elderly but most people wanted to move, share and seek the warmth of their friends,  acquaintances and like-minded people. (Monday, May 18, 2015)