Stanford J Lavin

Stanford (Stan) only child of Dr. Charles (DDS) & Hanna (Cohen) Lavin passed away on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, due to respiratory distress from CoVid-19. Stan grew up in Wrigleyville, attended James G. Blaine Elementary School and graduated from Lakeview High School in 1946. He was a founding member of the Titan Athletic club; he spent many happy years playing 16-inch for the Titans. If Stan wasn’t on the diamond, you could find him in the crowds watching CPD 16-inch games and tournaments. Of course, growing up around Wrigley Field, Stan couldn’t help but be a diehard fan of the Cubs and the Bears; some of his happiest times were hanging in the bleachers with an Old Style at Cubs games and rooting on the Bears from his season ticketholder seats. Stan loved the horses, too; whether Arlington Park, Hawthorne or even Churchill Downs for the 1962 Kentucky Derby, Stan was keen on testing his wagering skills and watching the horses run. When the Chicago Bulls launched in 1966, he could be found at every home game cheering on such favorites as Chet Walker, Norm VanLier, Bob Love & Jerry Sloan. One of Stan’s favorite stories - and claim to fame - was when one of the officials at the scorer’s table turned to Stan and asked him to double check his scorecard; the official was off a basket but he knew Stan, the guy always sitting a few rows up, would have the right numbers!

Stan earned & received a B.S. in accounting from Loyola University in 1951. He was drafted by the army during the Korean War and was sent to Japan for his service. While there, he had the opportunity to work as a liaison between the Army and Japanese contractors until his honorable discharge in 1953. Once back home, he worked in a number of Chicago businesses as an accountant, remained tight with the Titan Athletic Club, and hung out at the “Candy Store” & the “Tavern” in Wrigleyville. In the early 1970’s Stan met the love of his life, Helen Bengston. Upon retirement in 1981, Stan & Helen married and spent their days & nights together until her death from Leukemia in 1988. Some of Stan’s most treasured memories include their travels throughout Europe on boats and trains. Stan spent the remainder of his life involved in many suburban & city park district senior citizen centers and clubs, taking day trips and flirting with the ladies. He had a group of friends at the Golf Mill Mall and enjoyed shopping and walking with these friends. His final years were spent with family in the northern suburbs of Chicago; it took him a while to get used to suburban life, but he was well-loved, involved & vital. He was an honest and caring man, lived life with gusto and will be in our hearts forever.