From the Taylor Family

When Ron was awarded the title of "Cavaliere" I searched for a definition in english. A Cavaliere is a man of honour and loyalty, a gallant and chivalrous man, a gentleman in every way. We knew and admired him for all that he was but we loved him for being our dear friend with whom we shared the joy of travel, fine food, wine and lots of laughter for many years. Ronnie, we miss you very much.

Koladich Family Thoughts

Our first thought about Ronnie is BIG EYES and BIG LAUGH
Our next thought is----whatever he was doing, be it skiing, hiking, kayaking or working, he did it FULL THROTTLE!!
Except, at the table, after a great dinner with family and friends,---there is a large collection of photos of Ron snoozing.
It wasn't rude, it was just what happened after a day at full throttle.
One full throttle experience was a kayaking adventure down the Credit River, complete with bird song, budding leaves and white water. It ended in disaster when the inflatable Koladich kayak hit a giant tree branch, deflated, and sank.
We all ended up soaked and happy.
We remember his love of music,---every time we visited the Faranos, we listened for the records, tapes or CDs he would play---they were always moving, and suited the moment, and we wanted to rush out and buy them.
Most of all, we remember him as our beloved friend and Godfather to the three Koladich boys, Steve, Mike, and Pete.

We love you, Ron, you Wonderful Wop!
Carol, Steve, Mike, And Pete.

From the Nixon Clan

As I read the other comments on Ron, I marvel (given his rather full life) at how he always had the time and inclination to attend so many of our family functions with Joan: birthdays, weddings, Christmases, anniversaries, special events. He attended; and if it was grudging, it sure didn’t show. He added his smile, humour, stories and joie de vivre. He helped cement the bonds between our clan and the Engholmes and the Faranos.

He and Joan recently hosted a Nixon/Farano Christmas celebration at their home, where new acquaintances were made and many renewed.

We had the pleasure of Ron and Joan’s visits (all too infrequent) in Muskoka. Wine was consumed, world problems solved. Politics? That too. (Tax and Fiscal Commentary also informed our political views.)

Professionally, Ron was our corporate lawyer and tax maven (corporate and personal). He restructured our company, provided legal and tax counsel throughout the piece; and facilitated the ultimate sale of the company.

Clearly, Ron led a multi-faceted life. A ‘good man’, indeed; and a pro.

We’ll miss him.

From John Herndon

As previous Delegato of the Accademia Italiana Della Cucina, I remember Ron's enthusiastic support of our events and his participation in the Board of Directors. We and the Italian/Canadian community will certainly miss Cavaliere Ron Farano.

From Arlene O'Neill

Dear Farano family, I am so very sorry by the loss of Ron. I have so many fond memories of him that I cannot list. I think every conversation I ever had with Ron was entertaining and I learned from him every day. I was lucky enough to have worked closely with Ron for about 7 years and I doubt I would have worked in tax for so long had it not been for him. He made it exciting and his personality was bigger than any tax file or appeal. So many people entrusted their tax disputes and sometimes their whole financial future with him. He had the respect of Department of Justice lawyers and judges alike. But mostly, Ron had fun with tax and he was at his best planning or scratching away on a piece of paper the resolution to a tax problem. His door was always truly open to all who cared to stop by and his boisterous laugh echoed through the halls. I am thankful to Ron for being such an excellent role model. He leaves a big hole in the Gardiner Roberts firm and he will forever be missed by all of us. No one has the pizzazz, style, colour and stature of Ron.

Lisa's words spoken at Ron's committal ceremony

Pop - this is the part of this whole transition that I would like to say a few words and pay my respects to your body – it really served you well. From way back in the day when you and Warren had fun introducing all kinds of exotic foreign and unusual substances to it, to more recently when you developed a kinder, gentler approach, this body was perfect. I am grateful for every moment we spent together exercising it – either on foot or on bikes – your body really kicked asteroids. Right up until the end when it continued to do what you asked of it while you battled your cancer, until finally you agreed ok – we’ve done enough together, this was an extraordinary body. So for me, today, this ceremony is for your body. I will cherish the part that I get to keep in the urn that I picked up in Hong Kong right next to that shop that I bought for you that very colourful tie that you wore day in and day out for years. I will keep that small part close to my heart, as I carry your spirit with me, wherever I go.

From Audrey Rose

Papa,

Throughout the years you have been such a gift to me. You have a laugh, and a smile that used to light up a room. Your generosity flooded this entire family; with you bringing us closer than ever.

I remember when I used to sit upon your lap, and you’d tell me to read a book out loud to you. And I would do that; almost every weekend. By the time I was age 10, I could read aloud like I’d been taught perfectly. And I was.

You transformed my life environment into a loving and open-hearted experience. In the past couple of years you have struggled through tough times. Your attitude was phenomenal towards it and that; and you, was what put smiles on our faces every time we saw you.

‘Ciao Papa’ are few words that will not be shared between you and I. You will always be within my heart and surely everyone else’s who had the blessing of knowing you within their lifetime.

You used to simply hate my brothers’ and my table manners. Nothing seemed to keep us in place at the dining room table. It used to make me laugh the way you used to imitate us.

You may have not changed the world; but you changed mine.

I’ll keep my elbows off the table for you Papa. There will always be a place in my heart for you.

From Andrew Neuman

"It is said that there are three crowns: the crown of Torah (knowledge), the crown of priesthood (holiness), and the crown of kingship (authority). And the crown of a good name is superior to them all.
The crown of a good name is superior to the other crowns, or more literally "goes up upon them." So this cannot be a separate crown but is one that enhances the other three crowns. I.e., the other three

Crowns are only truly fitting if they carry with them a good name.

In my humble opinion, Ron knew that identifying *too* strongly with a cause can be a dangerous thing and he did not allow his devotion to G-d and mankind to get lost along the way.

Ron identified so wholly with this mission and therefore he must have a "Good Name" and it is why Ron continues to possess this Crown.”

From Nivo Angelone - Ron at Chamber events in the 1970s

Ron's efforts on behalf of the Italian Chamber of Commerce were tireless.

From the Leistners

The Leistner families send their condolences to the Farano family at this sorrowful time. It was good to enjoy Ron's company on the Alpine Ski Club hills. As ski club members since the early 60s we enjoyed many good times at the ski club and the Faranos were always active participants of the Club social events - dances, dinners, lobsterfest, corn roast, and festivals. Ron was always a supportive chalet neigbour who willingly provided professional advice to other chalet owners. We all benefitted from his sharp mind and calm demeanor. He will be missed by all who were part of his life.

Joan and Henry Leistner

From Nivo Angelone

I have always been reticent when it came to expressing my feelings, but on this occasion I feel that I must do so for the benefit of Ron’s family.

I met Ron about 33 years ago through the Italian Chamber of Commerce. At the beginning I used to attend all of his seminars on Taxation, on Succession and Estate Planning. As I became more involved with the Chamber it was very clear that Ron was the éminence grise. He was always present and whenever anyone of importance was present, such as a representative of the Italian or Canadian Government and institutions. In delicate or important situations, Ron was the one who was always entrusted to be the master of ceremonies, to make a speech or an introduction. I always admired his logical mind, his clarity, his being able to see the big picture and take care of the minutest detail.

In 2002 the Chamber was going through a difficult time when I became its president and Ron was and remained Chairman of the board. There was a lot of pruning to be done and the Chamber went through some major transformations. The Chamber now is considered one of the most respected and vibrant organizations in the country. Ron was instrumental in implementing the change and I always admired the dignity with which he treated people, no matter who they were.

Through the years I noticed that it wasn’t easy to gain Ron’s trust but once one did, it was unconditional. I had the great honour of being trusted and it was magic knowing that I could always count on him. He was the only one.

A few weeks ago Ron called me to see if I would help him speed up the process of being able to work with qi gong or vital energy. I have been doing taiji, qi gong, meditation, and other spiritual work for decades and sometime we talked about it. I started seeing Ron regularly and working with these modalities. (In particular I used qi gong, tuena, acupressure, exercises of letting go as in the Zen tradition, Emotional Freedom Techniques). The last time I saw him I asked how he felt with what we were doing. He resonated best with the letting go exercises and the qi gong exercises. He was open to all of these things and that is mainly thanks to Joan. He said that he felt peaceful, lighter and serene. If that is the case then I am grateful that I was able to help him attain that peace.

From Margaret (Burke) Tennier

Farano Family:

As a member of Commerce & Finance '53, U of T, I remember Ron fondly. As one of only two girls in a class of fifty [the other being Vi (Koson) Bielski] at a time when women were not allowed to become members of the Commerce Club, we felt somewhat like outsiders. But Ron was one of the few who was friendly and made us feel that we belonged. I saw him at our 50th reunion in the summer of 2003 and he greeted me with a big hug. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Sincerely,

Margaret (Burke) Tennier

From Bernie Spiegel

Dear Greg,
I did see the obituary for your late Dad in the Globe on Saturday. I was initially shocked, but on second thought was not surprised by the terrible news. We go back a long, long way. We have always had a very open and cordial relationship with Ron. There is a Jewish expression which I think is very appropriate to your Dad. That is a "mensch". The simple translation is "a human". But the colloquial expression means so much more - a very decent human being replete with knowledge, compassion and understanding. I can say without reservations that your late father had all of those attributes and more. As Eric has expressed, we will sorely miss him and his being such a "mensch". We extend our sincere condolences on your and your family's loss.

A Poem For My Father

I read this poem, by Gianna Patriarca, both in English and, hesitatingly, in Italian, at my father’s committal ceremony. Corrado Paina, a good friend, identified it for me. Notwithstanding its title – “Compleanno”, which means birthday - I thought it captured a part of my father’s spirit.

I have included the English translation after the end of the poem.

Voglio mangiare un fico maturo
voglio rubare cachi
dagli alberi del vecchio Alfredo
farmi cogliere sul fatto
vederlo inciampare sul forcone
mentre cerchi di afferrarmi
la mia bocca impiastrata d’arancio
dalla dolce polpa del frutto proibito

voglio nascondermi dietro
le montagne di paglia secca
mentre assaporo la fresca brezza
dai polmoni dell’autunno
voglio arrampicarmi sull’albero di castagne
a proteggere I tetti
sul paesaggio
ascoltando
le dolci voci che cantano
stornelli romani

voglio far scorrere le mie mani sul
cespuglio di rosmarino vicino al cancello
dove cresce il giglio di mia nonna
sedermi vicino al muro di pietra
mentre aspetto mamma
che ritorna pedalando dal paese
sulla vecchia bicicletta near
le tashe piene di caramelle

e poi dormire
tra lenzuola di lino
riscaldate da mattoni caldi
avvolti nella flanella
per poter sognare fichi mature
color porpora
su pane appena sfornato.


Here is the English transalation.

I want to ripe a fig
I want to steal a persimmon
from old Alfredo’s tree
have him catch me in the act
watching him stumbling over the pitchfork
as he tries to grab me
my mouth smeared orange
from the sweet flesh of
the forbidden fruit.
I want to hide between the
mountain of dry hay
feeling the cool breath of
autumn’s lungs.
I want to climb the chestnut tree
and guard the rooftops over the
countryside, listening to the
soft voices singing Roman songs,
I want to run my hands through
the rosemary bush by the gate
where my grandmother’s iris grows
to sit by the stone wall
waiting for mamma
as she pedals from town
on her old, black bike
her pockets full of chocolates
and then to sleep
in linen sheets
warmed by hot bricks
wrapped in flannel
to dream of ripe purple figson freshly baked bread.

From Gerald Prenick

I have lost a good friend, someone who I considered my brother. We met in the 60’s and continued our friendship as Ron moved along in his illustrious career.

We managed to have lunch at least once a month during the final 5 years of his life at which time we discussed many topics, business and personal and it was during this time that I was exposed to his nonjudgmental and incisive views.

During his recent illness ,Ron was always upbeat and positive about his recovery. But alas it was not to be and I for one will miss him very much.

GERALD PRENICK

From Robert Burton

Ron the Prince

I met Ron decades ago when he and Warren were partners. When Warren left public practice, Ron got stuck with me.

Ron was always professional and always knowledgeable, with a sound grasp of how things worked, and the judgment to make decisions that accomplished goals. It was always a pleasure to be Ron’s client. He was always ready to laugh; he was always ready to listen. Even though we were not “buds”, he was a friend I turned to in need, and he was a friend who came through. I hope he enjoyed having me in his life as much as I enjoyed having him in mine.

His family and his friends are so fortunate that there are so many good memories. They are for cherishing. In Jewish, there is a word, naches. It means profound and abiding happiness at one’s accomplishments or the accomplishments of those close and dear. Ron was a source of naches, and I believe Ron’s family and friends were an abiding source of naches for him every day of his life.

Well done Ron ! You done good !

Bob

From Trish Langmuir Taylor

Hi Jody, Greg, Lisa, Chris, Shelley, Matthew, James, Patrick, Audrey Rose, Russell, Theo and Tilly:

Larry and I were very saddened to have read about the passing of Ron / Dad / Granddad in this morning’s Globe & Mail. I vaguely remember Aunt Mary Wright having mentioned he was ill but then, quite frankly, didn’t think about it again until your grim reality hit me in the face at the breakfast table at 6:30 a.m. today. The news came as a shock, it goes without saying.

So many happy memories are in my mind of childhood days during which the Faranos, Greys, Kisses, von Karstedts, Langmuirs and many young Jesuit seminarians were around our homes for various and sundry celebrations. We sure had lots of fun in those halcyon years when not only the little kids got up to all kinds of kooky 1960s style stuff. In fact, I think there’s a photo of Ron and Jody in an old family album in which she’s crouching on the hood of someone’s car (which I believe was parked in the parking lot of the church that one of the kids was having his or her First Communion at), gleefully pointing a toy gun at her dear, handsome husband. If memory serves me correctly, he’s calmly smoking a cigar while smirking into the camera lens. (What kind of damage Jody’s high heels did to the hood of that vehicle may remain a question for all time, of course.) I only mention this scene to echo your comments about Ron having “lived life large”, particularly with his adoring, gorgeous, vivacious and playful wife as his ever-loving partner in all aspects of family life and abiding love.

Ron and Theo

Here I am with my papa. I love him so much. He always knew how to make me laugh.
Love Theo

From Bill Genova

Ron and Joan for a number of years attended my family's Christmas party much to the delight of my wife and I. He was also instrumental in having me appointed to the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario and whose ornate membership document I still have framed and hung in my study. My vocation was insurance and tax shelters and Ron proved informative and one of the best in the business. He personally was always positive and had a unique chuckle. As in many relationships we drifted apart much to my regret now that he is gone. My memories are pleasant of our relationship. I wish I had one last time to share a lunch and caught up on the years that passed.

From Dave Frame, President of the Taoist Tai Chi Society of Canada

Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less that the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

From Tony Grey

I would like to send my deepest condolences to Jodie, Greg, Lisa and Chris on the passing of my dear friend whom I have known for more years than I can remember.

We all accept that to lead a happy life is of the highest value. The famous Greek statesman and sage, Solon, said that it is impossible to know whether a person is truly happy until the end of his life, for at any time before that something could occur that would turn a hitherto happy life into an unhappy one.

Now, for Ron, the judgment can be made. On all counts - love of and from family and friends, contribution to society justly appreciated, career success, reputation, and all round decency, we who have known him can resoundingly say, that Ron led a happy life. All this and a memory too that will live on.

From Justin Bonar

In my memories of Ron, over the 35 years since Chris and I were young boys at Camp Ahmek, through our high school years and into our adulthood, at your dinner table, skiing, and at weddings, I remember Ron simply as gregarious and smiling, and, clearly, a hard working provider. I also remember him being “cool”, into jazz and other genres of music, driving his sports cars, and being stylish. To me, he was a curious and welcome contrast to my frequent experience of other parents and adults who seemed overly-formal and distant. As I write this, I shed tears for a family that I have known for so long, often at too great a distance, but yet somehow so bonded to me across multiple generations.

Teeloo's Hat

Here's a photo of Ron taken some 20-odd years ago at Stony Lake. For some reason, he decided to put on my grandmother Teeloo's hat. Don't you think the dusty rose ribbon sets off those mischievous brown eyes of his?

Ron the Animal Lover

Every Spring, a pair of Mallard ducks arrive at Ron and Joan's back-yard in Etobicoke. The ducks bring their ducklings to be introduced.
One year, after the mother duck had taken her brood for a swim around the pool and hopped out herself, she found that the ducklings couldn't get out. They tried and tried, and all but one finally managed to jump high enough to clear the side of the pool. But the youngest and smallest one, simply couldn't make it. Try as he might, and he did try, he just wasn't strong enough. Ron fretted. He had to find a way to help that duckling.
Ron immediately decided that he would build a ramp to help the little duckling get out of the pool. And he did. Here is the last of the brood following his mother's call up Ron's Ramp out of the pool.

Ronald J Farano
August 12, 1931 – May 20, 2010

Cav. Ronald Joseph Farano Q.C. passed away peacefully and courageously on May 20, 2010, the 50th anniversary of his wedding to Joan (nee Engholm). He is survived by his wife Joan, his three children: Greg, Lisa and Chris (married to Shelley Brown), and his grandchildren: Matthew, James, Patrick, Audrey Rose, Russell, Theo and Tilly.

Ron was the son and third child of Vincent and Rose (nee Lomoro) Farano, who were born in Modugno, Italy, and who immigrated to Canada in their youth. Ron’s two older sisters, Josephine (Grittani) and the late Laura (Oakie), were diligent caregivers to him as a child as the family struggled with many challenges, including cultural and racial discrimination, which was unfortunately typical of the time.

After receiving a Commerce and Finance degree from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School, Ron realized a boyhood dream when he was called to the Ontario bar in 1957. Sam Sorbara was kind enough to take Ron on as a fledgling lawyer after his call. In the early 1960s Ron partnered with Wolfe Goodman at Goodman, Cohen, Cooper & Farano. He later that decade practiced as a tax partner at Davies, Ward & Beck.

In 1964 and 1965, Ron travelled back and forth to Ottawa to participate in the Royal Commission on Taxation under Kenneth Carter. Ron helped to draft the Commission’s report on tax reform, released in 1966, which led to a White Paper in 1969, and preceded a significant overhaul to Canada’s federal taxation system in the early 1970s. Ron was awarded the title of Queen' s Counsel for his work on this important Commission.

In 1973, Ron formed his own law firm, Farano Green, with fellow tax lawyer Warren Green. Ron and Warren would remain partners and good friends for the rest of Ron's life – without a written partnership agreement between them. Farano Green grew to 16 lawyers, and merged after 26 years in 1999 with Gardiner Roberts. Ron remained a senior tax partner at Gardiner Roberts until his death.

During his long career, Ron authored 7 books on corporate and tax matters, most recently Farano's Tax Cases. He also published a tax periodical, Tax and Fiscal Commentary, a sometime political commentary where Ron frequently expressed his views on tax policy and (sometimes profligate) public spending policy. In 1985, Ron sat on the Nielsen Task Force on Program Review, created by the then Conservative Government and tasked with making recommendations on how to reduce the cost of government. Ron later became a director of Canadair. He kept a model Canadair jet on his desk.

Ron was a founding member of the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario (as it is now known) in the 1960s, and remained its Chairman and a committed supporter until his death. In September 2006, Ron was honoured by the Government of Italy as a Knight of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy. He proudly carried the title of Cavaliere. Ron was also a founding member and a director of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. Ron was especially proud of the CFIB’s “Little Red Hen” campaign to reduce government taxation. Ron was until his death consigliere to the Accademia Italiana della Cuccina, Toronto Delegation.

Ron was an avid skier; he and Joan joined Alpine Ski Club in 1966. He was an Honourary Life Member of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club and he was a Member of the Georgian Bay Club.

Ron was a warm, thoughtful man, with a voice and a laugh that carried through many a wall and ceiling. Known for his colourful dress, he lived life large. He was devoted to his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. He loved food, music, art and travel. And he loved the people around him.

To those who were fortunate to know him, he was simply a good man. We will all miss him.

A simple committal ceremony prior to cremation was held on May 23 for the immediate family. There will be an informal celebration of Ron’s life in the afternoon of Thursday, June 10, 2010. All of Ron’s family and friends are welcome. Please e-mail faranofamily@gmail.com and let the family know if you would like to attend this celebration, and how many you wish to bring with you. Also, you are invited to post any thoughts (personal or political) about Ron at http://ronfarano.blogspot.com/

The family would like to thank Dr. John Blondal and all of the staff St. Joseph’s Health Centre for their wonderful care of Ron. Instead of flowers, the family would be honoured if you sent donations to St. Joseph’s Health Centre, the Smoking and Health Action Foundation, or The Mission to Seafarers (Pier 51, Unwin Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5A 1A1, Attention: The Rev. David Mulholland).

Ron and Pirate Tilly

This is a picture of me with my papa. I am dressed like a pirate. I have a sword so I can protect both of us.
I love papa.
Tilly

Ron in the Herb Garden at the RCYC

Maybe he thought the dinner needed a little extra flavour, maybe he wanted a snack, or maybe he just wanted to play in the dirt. But only Ron could look this good, and keep a pair of white pants pristine, while gardening.

Ron and Russell

From Russell:
This is a picture of papa and me in Disney. Papa was a wonderful grandfather. He was unbelievably generous. He even let me ride his scooter. I might have been driving a little too fast, but he didn't mind. I will miss him.
Love Russell

A Good Laugh

One afternoon last November at Disney, I found Ron sitting on his scooter laughing to himself. Positively giggling. He was staring at this sign. I'll leave it to you to figure out what was so funny.

Ron and Joan at Jeff and Audrey's Wedding - Aug 08

Ron and Joan in Disney last November