My father and Stan’s dad worked together. Both were bricklayers. They became friends, as did their families. I remember one visit, when I was about 10, and I guess Stan must have been given the job of entertaining the children. It was a summer day and Stan brought out his guitar. He sang “Lemon Tree” and “I Knew an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly.” Whenever I think of those songs I remember that incredible day when Stan sang to us.

—Cathy Baerg