Blain, Vincent
Blain, Vincent
July 20, 1949 – March 5, 2026It is with great sorrow that we mourn the death of our beloved husband, father, father-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, colleague and friend. Vince died peacefully with his wife and children by his side, in his own bed, in his own home in Burlington, Ontario.
He will be sadly missed by his sisters Agnes, Joanne, Bethana and Maura and his brothers Joseph and Leo.
Vince will live forever in the heart of his wife of 53 years, Judy and he will be lovingly remembered by his beloved children, Turner and Caitlin, Turner’s wife, Krystale, and his two grandchildren, Malcolm and Marcus.
Vince was the kindest, most loving and exuberant human who touched the lives of so many and will be remembered with love and gratitude. His life was a testament to his unwavering faith, his passion for education, and his love of family. After completing his Journalism degree at Ryerson, he contributed to The Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail and the Hamilton Spectator. His freelance writing allowed him to dedicate time to raising his young children and helping to prepare them for a positive future. He was a a father who valued his children’s upbringing by providing a loving home environment while showing respect for the traditional female role. In this, he was very much a man ahead of his time. At the time, it was possible to teach with a university degree but without one in Education due to a shortage of teachers. So, Vince taught and caught the bug. When the rules changed, he returned to school to get both his BA and his MA in Education after which he dedicated 22 years to shaping growing minds as an educator. Vince taught English, his great passion, at the TCDSB as well as the HCDSB, landing happily at Assumption H.S. in Burlington. His passion was such that, even after he retired, he continued supply teaching. In addition, every summer for many years, he delighted in teaching Canadian students in England, Ireland, Italy, France, Greece, Mexico and Costa Rica with Blyth International Summers. He particularly loved sailing through the Aegean while reciting the Rime of the Ancient Mariner against a backdrop of rippling waves. His colleagues and students remember him for not just his intellect, but for his joie de vie, his creative spark, his sense of fun and the respect he brought to his love for education. And, did I mention that he was a dapper dresser? A real flaneur.
Vince shared a wonderful life with the love of his life, Judy, who was his constant companion in all their travels and adventures. He loved art, concerts, film and theatre. Their journey together began in Grade 7 and endured from there (with a few detours) and was filled with love, fun, discovery, and a strong, special bond. Vincent's legacy continues through his children, Turner and Caitlin, who have inherited their father's love for literature, travel and teaching; they have both followed his footsteps into careers as educators. He was a fine father, who was always there for his children, ready to dispense advice based on his own experience, philosophy and thoughtful opinions. His siblings, with whom he shared a lifetime connection, will carry forward memories of their brother's kind and creative spirit.
A devout Catholic, Vincent lived his life as a reflection of his faith. He was a proud Knight of Columbus and member of his parish choir. He found solace in the words of scripture and the serenity of prayer. His actions were guided by the principle of loving one’s neighbour, and he touched the lives of many with his thoughtfulness and generosity.
His love of literature allowed him to devour up to 12 books a month and guided him in his observation and understanding of human nature. Vince really “saw” people in all their goodness and foibles. He appreciated the beauty of the everyday and lived in the moment. (As Judy, his personal trip planner, lovingly referred to as "Scout" by Vince, can well attest!) He lived a full life of purpose and love. He faced his death with grace and peace and he has left an indelible imprint on the hearts of his family, friends, colleagues and all who were fortunate enough to meet him on his path. Although our paths have diverged for now, they will again converge someday.
11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Mar. 21 at
St. Patrick’s Parish, 440 King St. E., Hamilton ON L8N 1C6.
Reception to follow.In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Canadian Cancer Society or The Juravinski Cancer Centre Charity.
