Death of David Hemblen

"I recall bein gin Grade 13 English class with David. As the onlytwo students who could "do accents," we often were called upon by the teacher, Miss SMythe, to read for the class.

In recent years, I would run into David on the Danforth and we'd stop for chat. He still had that wonderful resonant voice. My late sister was very friendly with David's mother in hte Beaches.

I am so sad to hear of his passing. I thought he had perhaps moved to assisted living when I hadn't seen him for a while.

He will be remembered."

"So very sorry to here of David’s passing. The last time we saw him was Pat my sisters wake. Have very fond memories as kids."

"Thank you for bringing Magnus to life!"

"Our deepest condolences to the family. We pray that God continues to strengthen and comfort them during this difficult time."

"To the family, many, many friends, colleagues and fans of this wonderful man Mr. David Hemblen fine comfort with you during this difficult time in your lives. May you find comfort in your wealth of fond memories together. May Almighty God in the Heavens comfort your hearts with peace and loving kindness as you cope with this precious loss in your lives. Thank you for Mr. David Hemblen's contribution to our fan-favorite comic animated series TV show X-Men and his voice role of Magneto."

"I met David in 1964 at a meeting of the Friends of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in Toronto in the University of Toronto campus. He and two other comrades of his, Andre Bekerman and Dierdre Gallagher (both deceased), were a trio of articulate and charismatic voices supporting the anti-racist struggle taking place in Alabama. I was drawn to their thinking and participated in a sit-in in front of the U.S. consulate that they had helped to organize. They were radical socialists, supporters of the Cuban revolution, opponents of the American war in Vietnam. Like so many other young students, I was drawn to their politics and became a socialist. I recall how David had contributed through theatre in the educating of young activists. I also recall the day that I saw David, then a lecturer at U of T, had taken his class outside the hallowed halls of University College to join in protesting America's imperialist Vietnam war.

I participated with David in forums and meetings at the Vanguard Bookstore, the HQ of the League for Socialist Action. He was a great and articulate commentator. My wife and I got to see him episodically over the years after he had switched to his acting career. Always friendly and enjoying a good laugh, David was a delight (and down to earth) to chat with. Now that he has passed, we are filled with a combination of pleasant nostalgia and shock. David was a great humanitarian and talent. We will always miss him. He was both a comrade and friend."