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Melissa Tereck lit a candle
Saturday, September 16, 2023
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I am saddened to hear of Mr. Benders passing and wish to send my condolences to everyone who loved him. He was everyone’s favourite teacher, including mine. He was real, and he wouldn’t let us get away with anything. He encouraged us to focus, to learn, and to believe in ourselves. I speak from personal experience with this. I loved listening to his stories. I was a troubled kid, and I didn’t think I would graduate. I came to him to discuss dropping out because I was failing, but he knew I was trying. He encouraged me to stay and keep moving forward. I did, and I graduated on time. He pulled me aside at the end of the year to tell me how proud he was of me and how much I’d grown. I’ve never forgotten that. No other teacher ever did that for me before, or since. I’ve thought about him over the years and always hoped to see him again. He was one of a kind and I am truly sorry for your loss. I can only imagine the wonderful memories you must have to hold on to, I wish you peace during your difficult time.
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Emma McGugan lit a candle
Thursday, July 13, 2023
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Why I loved Papa
Papa i loved you so much, you don't know how much everyone, especially me, appreciated you in our family. We will all miss you so much and never forget you. You really were the man the myth and the legend. I will work so hard to make you proud and make sure I continue with school and basketball. I know you will be so proud up there and this is so heartbreaking. We never saw this coming or ever imagined this. We weren't ready. I cherish every moment I have with you and I will go to the bomber game tonight and I will cheer so loud for you and give a couple of hoots hoots for you. I will continue to play basketball and keep improving my rebounding with everything you have taught me. I'm so glad that you got to be my coach before you left us. I'm glad that you got to experience and teach me these things so I can go on and teach people. You made the world such a better place and we will miss you so much. I will never stop talking about you and how great a human being you were. Even if you were crabby sometimes you always knew how to put a smile on others' faces. You motivate me to keep my house clean regularly, I will make sure to clean just for you! And you motivate me to keep excercizing and going to the gym. Thinking of you will remind me that pain is just temporary and to keep pushing through it. You are one of the strongest men i know and you treated us so awesome. I will miss having my best bomber game partner and my best coach in basketball, even it was for only a couple of weeks. I will miss having you by my side when we go biking. I will remember you in times that are hard and I will continue to fight just for you. You didn't deserve your life to end today, but I'm glad it happened like it did. I hope you weren't in pain for too long and I hope you left us just where you wanted. You love the outdoors and cutting your grass, so maybe this was just meant to be. I wish it didn't happen so quickly and I'm sorry it had to end like this. I love you so much Papa and I will miss you so unbelievably much you don't even know. you taught me so many things from manners, to being yourself, to love with your whole heart and to help others Like everyone says you were such a good man and we all will never forget that. You were so loved Papa and we can't believe this happened. I'm so happy i got to say I love you one last time and give you a kiss on the forehand like you always gave me. I will make sure to live the legend on with your eeeeyahs and hugging people as right as I can. I will listen to your favorite music to honor you and just since you have such great music taste. I love the breach boys and I'm happy I found our little cha cha song. I remember dancing around the kitchen table dancing to this song with you. Memories like those i will remember forever, Another reason why i love yo so much is that you were always respectful towards others, helping them even if it puts you in pain, and doing whatever you ca to give people the best life. Baba couldn't have asked for a better husband and she will stay strong for you. We all will stay strong for you and works extra hard for you. I hope you are watching me right now and I will always think of you. Every game will be for you, I was even praying for you. i will watch sports like my life depends on it since it meant so much to you. I'm going to try my best to do things that will make you proud. I will take care of myself and the others that need you. I will carry your greatness on for our family, I love you so much Papa. In times that I'm insecure and feeling down i will remember to be strong for you Papa. You didn't deserve this, you worked so hard for everything and you never gave up. I am so proud of all you've accomplished and I'm glad you got to spend your life with someone as amazing as Baba. I know she will miss you and i know it will be hard for her so just take care of her ok? It will take some days or even months to understand what happened and to accept the fact that you are gone. You are my only grandpa and the fact that you are gone now breaks my heart. I wish you could have made it longer and i believe you could've but you are so strong and we are so proud of you. i will try to stay strong for you and do whatever i can to help our family. i wanted to go to one last bomber game with you. I will still buy the fries and my large drink, and maybe I will save one for you. You will be on my wallpaper so you can still come with me. Hi Papa I'm at the game now and i already did a Hoot Hoot for you haha. I also bought runners to match you so i hope they are as good as you say they are. just joking. I love you so much and I miss you very much. You were always wearing the project 11 bracelet and the beaded necklace that had protected you. Maybe it didn't protect you from something way worse. I have asked to have that jewelry to keep and to wear in your honor. I just want them to feel close to you and because I know how important they were to you. Papa I just can't wrap my mind around how this happened. I don't want to know what life is like without you. Sometimes there's nothing we can do to help with these things, so all I can do is if you ever need me for anything just send me a signal and I will do as much as i can for you. I hope you are with Jim your best friend who died yesterday and I hope you guys are having a blast up there. Now you can go to all the games you ever wanted to. Seeing you today was super hard. I saw the bare you, the real you. I'm glad I did and i got to say I love you and give you one lat hug. I will be back tomorrow Papa to make sure you know mow much I loved you and I will give you as much as a hug I can. I will have a chocolate milkshake in memory of you. If I remember correctly you loved those right? I just really need you to know that so many people loved you and cared about you. I never met someone so appreciated in the world. You touched so many lives, even ones you only met for one day. Even strangers. All the little babies you smiled at, all og the little kids you waved at, they will all remember you. We will all remember you. We will all remember you papa, how can we not? you were the perfect fit for our family and the bender legacy will continue on because of your hard work Papa. You aren't credited enough for all the things you've done for other people, but just i recognize you and appreciate you. I will do as much as I can to help you. I just can't believe this. It's unreal. Its a bad dream. please wake me up or give me a miracle. Just two days ago you were yelling at me to smarten up in basketball. I know I was fooling around. well from now on alot less fooling around just for you. I will focus really hard and be very respectful towards everyone. maybe I'll even lay off the chewing thing because you did it and now I don't have to honor to hear ur wonderful nut loud chewing noises .I just know that even though this couldn't have been a better death for you, we were not ready for this .I know you didn't deserve this. It shouldn't have ended so soon for you papa. i just can't believe it. I love you Papa good night. I hope you're resting easy.
PS On you birthday i will still sing happy birthday and I'l make sure to chant the tiger cats for you Papa. i love you so much.
Hey as I'm listening to the Beach Boys I though, now you are also with the ones who passed.
Love,
Emma
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John Sawicz posted a symbolic gesture
Thursday, July 6, 2023
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I apologize, but I don't have the words to adequately portray how much of an impact Ric had on my best, but I will do my best to express it. I had the good fortune to have Ric as both a teacher and a colleague at Tec Voc. As a teacher, he epitomized how you should treat your students: with fairness, honesty, and respect. As a colleague, he treated all staff members with the utmost respect. I can remember a time during my first year in the classroom at the school when Ric approached me to ask my opinion on something that was happening at the school. He listened with intent, and we engaged in an open, two-way conversation. I greatly appreciated that he engaged with me as an equal, even though I was clearly not in the same stratosphere as he was as an educator. To say that I was blessed to have the opportunity to be around Ric during two different stages in my life would be an understatement. My life has truly been enriched by having the opportunity to learn from him, as a student and a professional.
Ric, lunches at Sorrento's won't be the same without you. We miss you, we love you, and we look forward to the day we can raise a glass together (yours a diet coke, of course) on the other side. Rest easy, Mr. Bender.
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Joël Russell lit a candle
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
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For added security in my online banking, was a question; “the name of your favourite teacher”. Without a thought, Mr Bender was typed. One of his life lesson quotes; “Lead, follow, or get the heck out of the way”, courtesy of Mr Bender. The ONE time I attempted to skip a Psychology class in 1989 Tec Voc….busted. Mr Bender found me in Miss Hills office. NEVER did I do that again. The disappointment I had in myself, because I disappointed him….didn’t ever want to feel that way again.
These are the lessons I learned from Mr Bender that played and still do, in my life. From stories of Travis and hockey, Bonnie and ringette, Betty and plants and flowers, History classes and endless talks about the holocaust. Sociology classes and how “people don’t look at one another on an elevator. “Get in one and look at people stare at the numbers.” Every time I get into an elevator this request of his plays through my head. So I whistle just to change the experience. Ha! What a wicked teacher, mentor and gem of a human! I am lucky to have had him educate me not just in a classroom but for life. This opportunity also touched my son’s life. Who referred to him as “such a kind man.”
To his family, my sincerest condolences.
I know, we were all so incredibly lucky to have him in our lives.
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Tiffany Daeninck posted a condolence
Friday, June 23, 2023
One of my favourite teachers! He had a great way of making learning fun. I remember so much of that year because of him, and we're talking 3o years ago.
My condolences to all his loved ones.
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Will posted a condolence
Sunday, June 18, 2023
Will never forget the passion he had for telling a joke. It was a morning ritual for the year and a half I got to work with him. He will be missed.
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Angie Kalechyn posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
So sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Bender. Heartfelt condolences to the whole family. He was my high school teacher and the best teacher ever! Not only being a great teacher and how his delivery was but he was also a caring teacher when you had a problem he was there for us. I’ve thought of him often in the last 40+ years since I graduated and told everyone I could about him. Great man has passed but will never be forgotten ♥️ Angie Kalechyn (nee Smandych)
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Diane Genyk lit a candle
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
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My deepest sympathies. Mr Bender made a difference in so many lives. A special person. Diane Genyk(McLeod)
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David Reimer posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
My deepest condolences to Mr. Bender's family and friends.
I was fortunate to be coached in hockey by Mr. Bender a couple of times. His knowledge, patience and teaching were his gift.
I bumped into him at Walmart in Southdale only a few years ago, and he gladly took the time to catch up, share about his children, ask about my family and work as a teacher and send good wishes to my parents.
I hope the memories and love you shared with Mr. Bender will bring you some comfort at this tough time.
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Jeremy Remillard posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
I was Coached not only in Hockey but also in life by Ric. What a great guy and a great coach. I know he had something to do with me making some changes and progress in my younger days and I will never forget that. He will be missed.
Rest easy Coach,
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Muriel Kenyon Posted Jun 28, 2023 at 9:09 AM
When we had the joy of taking two of our great grand kids to Nursery School at McLeod, the kids and companions looked forward each day to this friendly man giving us each a hand pump. Yes, it was Mr. Bender. What a token of welcome and support. My sincere condolences to you and your family, Betty. Incidentally, one of the most caring nurses I’ve worked with. What a team! Bob and Muriel Kenyon
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Carol posted a condolence
Monday, June 12, 2023
To Betty and family. Sorry to hear about Ric’s passing. Our son Tyler was lucky enough to play for him in the Directors Cup in 1997. He was a great coach. Please take care. Carol Henry
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Gord Favelle lit a candle
Monday, June 12, 2023
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Wow, everyone one in shock including me. I'll miss our Thursday night crib games, especially all the jokes! Rest in peace Ric, see you on the other side.
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Sherri lit a candle
Sunday, June 11, 2023
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Richard Kidd posted a condolence
Sunday, June 11, 2023
I was a colleague and friend of Ric's when he taught at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate during the 1970's. Unfortunately we lost track of each other after that, and I hadn't seen him in well over 40 years. I was stunned and deeply saddened to read of his untimely passing.
I have many fond memories of Ric, but perhaps the most vivid was the time in the late 70's when we sat together in the stands of the U of M Fieldhouse watching the Daniel Mac Boys' Varsity Basketball Team, led by Ken Opalko, win the city (provincial?) championship. Ric had coached that very team up until the previous year, when he made the unexpected decision to leave Daniel to teach and coach at Tec Voc. Towards the end of the game, with victory all but certain, I turned to him and said, "Just think, Ric, this could have all been yours!" He laughed in his usual good-natured way.
Back in the day I once entertained the idea of writing a take-off on the famous Johnny Carson -- Jack Webb interview about Claude Cooper and his copper clappers (available on YouTube). My dragnet parody featured Ric Bender, who lived on Bannerman with his wife Betty, daughter Bonnie, and dog B????, coached basketball, had a brother-in-law named Bob Boychuk, and on and on, with many more "B's" featured in the description of his alleged misdemeanor. The skit was never actually written, much less performed, but I'm sure Ric would have enjoyed it immensely. He had a great sense of humor, one of many virtues which included a kind and considerate disposition, genuine amiability, and an infectious cheerfulness. Always a pleasure to be around, he was one of the good guys.
The present is naturally a period of great grief for all those who were close to him, but as time goes by that grief will morph into something more akin to bittersweet reminiscence. When that happens, they will recognize more fully the truth in Wordsworth's famous line, "We will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind." Ric left an awful lot behind. To Betty and her whole family, please accept my sincere condolences over your great loss.
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Bill and Darlene Daviduk lit a candle
Sunday, June 11, 2023
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Dear Betty, Bonnie, Travis and Family,
We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Ricks passing away. He was such a wonderful neighbour and friend. Our girls took great delight in teasing him. He took it with a chuckle and had an equally witty response. When we first met I had miss heard his name and thought he had said his name was Bruce. So from that day forward the girls called him Bruce. They even bought him a custom made T- shirt with (They Call Me Bruce) written on it. He was such a good sport. He put it on right away just to please them.
May God grant you strength during this most difficult time. May treasured memories help ease your sorrow.
Darlene, Bill and family.
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Don and Jan Shaw posted a condolence
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Our deepest condolences to Betty and family.
We had the pleasure of sharing many hours at Shapes with Rick over the years. We loved chatting with him and he had a wonderful sense of humour. Donnie loved talking hockey with Rick and sharing their hockey stories.
We are so sad to hear of his passing .. he will be dearly missed.
Don and Jan Shaw
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Gary Letkeman posted a condolence
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Mr Bender was my history teacher at DMCI and i always enjoyed his classes. Later on, he was a coach with the Selkirk Steelers when my son played for them. he said he learned more from Ric than any coach he'd ever had. i would see Ric at a number of Blue Bomber games and we'd chat about school years and he always asked me how my son was doing. It seemed like my son made as much of an impression on Ric as Ric made on him. My condolences go out to his family, Ric was a very special person.
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Melanie Anderson posted a condolence
Friday, June 9, 2023
Mr. Bender was the kindest teacher. He loved turning World Issues and Sociology classes into long conversations to really allow students to understand the topics at hand, and use our own experiences to relate to the subject matter. He also just loved a good pop-in to say hello and talk about sports, or whatever was going on in the school. Everyone had nothing but nice things to say about him. He always held us accountable, and without this, I personally would not have graduated 20 years ago. If all teachers were like him, the world would be a better place. Sending condolences to his entire family and his friends.
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lidia lit a candle
Friday, June 9, 2023
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Betty - I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Sending prayers & hugs to you and your family. (Lidia Collins)
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Laurie Richardson lit a candle
Thursday, June 8, 2023
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Mr Bender was my favourite teacher. He was tough but fair, silly, and wanted nothing but the best for his students. He taught me that conversation is 10% of what you say, but 90% tone. The world needs more teachers like him. He was so proud of Ben at WIT. Rest easy mr bender. You touched the lives of many. My condolences to the family.
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Lindsey Anderson posted a condolence
Thursday, June 8, 2023
Mr. Bender was an incredible teacher, and I feel lucky to have been one of his students at Tec Voc. My condolences to his family.
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Jarrett posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
I’d like to send my condolences to the whole Bender family during this very sad and difficult time. Ric was my coach with the monarchs for 4 seasons. He created a winning culture with our group and we all loved playing for him. However we may not have realized it at the time, but he was not only teaching us hockey but actually how to be better people along the way! I’ll never forget the lessons he taught me which I find myself still using to this day. The last time I chatted with Ric we reminisced about winning multiple championships together and how he always was trying to keep me from not getting too crazy and hot headed out on the ice..I believe he referred to it as crossing the “invisible line” we had a good laugh about it and finished our chat about family and what we were both up to now. What made Ric special was whenever we ran into each other it was like running into a family member I hadn’t seen in a while. We always just picked up where we left off from our last meeting. He was always more than a coach to all of us players, he was a mentor, teacher, friend and most of all family! He will truly be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to meet him. His lessons and the fun times we had with him will live on for forever! Love you Coach and most importantly THANK YOU!
Jarrett Oster
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Val oster posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
I would like to send my condolences to the whole Bender family. My heart breaks for you. Rick coached my son Jarrett for a number of years. He meant so much to Jarrett and became a very good friend to Jerry and myself. He really was more than a coach to the boys. He truly cared for all of them so much. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. He will always be remembered. Val Oster
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Kim Lacap (Galupe) posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Mr Bender played a big part of who I am today personally and in my career. He was my Sociology teacher at Tec Voc and everything I've learned from him, I've carried with me throughout my career. He was kind and cared very much about his students. Rest in peace Mr Bender, I'll never forget the stories you used to tell us about going to the dentist.
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Cheryl kotelniski posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Mr Bender was my favourite teacher at Tec Voc, he was my teacher from 1978-1981. He always had a smile for everyone.
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Derrene and Al Kozminski posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
We are very sorry to hear about Ric's passing. Though we haven't seen Ric and Betty for many years, we have fond memories of our time as neighbours on Sabine! Ric was a special person who always had time and a wonderful smile. Our condolences to Betty, Bonni-Anne, Travis and families.
Derrene and Al Kozminski
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Ashley Tavares uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
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We are so sorry to hear of Ric's passing. An avid volunteer with Variety, we will miss him everyday. Our thoughts are with Bonni-Anne, Betty, Emma and the rest of the family. Sending everyone hugs!
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nancy militano posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss.
i met Ric while working at Variety. He was the most amazing volunteer and i was so impressed by how much he shared his talents in the community.
my thoughts and prayers are with you ; may memories warm your hearts
sincerely
nancy militano
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Trevor Martens uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
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I only met Ric about 5 years ago, but I had noticed him before that at staff meetings while working at Miles Mac. He would appear at the back of the room with his group from the off campus, laugh, shake hands, and then disappear again.
When I accepted a position to work at the OC, Mark Bruce told me I'd be working with two other colleagues I know and 'the legendary Ric Bender'.
The man had a name and a reputation. And he lived up to both.
Ric didn't take breaks. He ate lunch while hanging around and chatting with our students. If something needed to be organized, filed, or put together Ric was on it. He was the cog that kept the Off Campus moving behind the scenes. When students needed help, he didn't just walk over and ask what they needed, he pulled up a chair and sat down and said 'what are we working on?'.
When our students got upset, their vocabulary could magically double in size and I and the rest of the staff could be called anything under the sun - but not Ric. I never saw one of our kids lose their temper and attack Ric. He was so much more than a teacher (getting paid an EA's salary), he was a father figure and (I'll only say this because he can't give me heck now) a grandfather figure to many of them.
Ric taught me about duty, service, and sacrifice. Not only in work, but in love as well. Having the pleasure to get to know him and Betty not only gave me nights of great stories with them, but I also got to see one of the strongest, most beautiful love stories continue to play out before my eyes. They are both role models for me.
Ric, I enjoyed every one of our conversations at work, in your home, and over the fence if I caught you outside on a walk. You were never too busy for a smile and a hand shake. It's only now that I realize what a role model you were for me as a man, and how important your kindness and generosity towards me and my family was. I don't know that I can better articulate the size or shape of the hole I feel inside me now, Ric. And maybe I don't have to. Maybe it's enough to say thank you for being the man you were and for calling me a friend. I'll never forget you. Rest in peace, Ric.
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Susan Becenko lit a candle
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
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It was a joy to know Ric. Visiting with him in the yard when we were out for our walks was so much fun. He always talked about how much his family meant to him. We know he has left a big hole in your hearts, but he also left you with such amazing memories. Treasure them all. Gordon and Susan Becenko
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The family of Richard Bender uploaded a photo
Monday, June 5, 2023
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