Obituaries
David Gerald Katz November 6, 1965 – March 10, 2023
We would like to let family and friends know that David – husband, father, brother and uncle – died unexpectedly on March 10, 2023. We are all completely heartbroken and truly devasted by the loss of this amazing man.
David was an incredibly compassionate, considerate and gentle person. He was very much like his own father Ben (Zaida). As a young child, David was introspective and kind. David was happiest when he met and married his strong and nurturing wife Linda and was overjoyed when he became a dad to their daughter Ava. David was an incredibly attentive and loving father. From the day Ava was born, he doted on her and cared for her with his entire heart. The two of them share an amazing bond, and he wanted nothing more than for her to be happy. He was an exceptionally patient dad who would move mountains for his family.
David or “Uncle DG” as he was known to his nieces Talia and Hannah, was an involved and caring uncle. He attended every special event and was present to celebrate every milestone. When Talia and Hannah’s own dad Tom died in 2007, David was an essential figure, providing unconditional love and support to Talia, Hannah, and their mother, Ilana. Ilana always looked up to her older brother and they were deeply connected since childhood. Rarely a day went by without several phone calls to one another.
David began working at a very young age and throughout university often had two or more jobs. He worked for the government for over 25 years and was a loyal and hardworking employee. He loved to travel and prior to becoming a father, he took many trips to Europe (sending postcards from every location). He travelled with his family to China and took them on many adventures across North America.
David was incredibly generous with his heart and his time, first to offer to help others in all types of situations. He was nonjudgmental and accepting and those who knew him loved him dearly. He was quiet and thoughtful in his conversations, and also playful and witty with family and close friends.
David has many people who loved and cared for him especially his wife Linda, daughter Ava, sister Ilana, brother Roni, and nieces Talia, Hannah, and Naomi. He will also be missed by many extended family members. David had long term friendships and was especially connected to his best friend Nish. David was very close to his father Ben, mother Avivah and brother in law Tom, and he honored their memories throughout his life.
We know that David would never want any of us to suffer on his account and we are mindful of this as we mourn this profound loss. We cannot imagine the world without David, and will hold his kind, generous, and loving energy with us as we navigate the days ahead.
Obituaries
ESTHER MINUK Dec. 27, 1932 – April 3, 2026
Esther Bat Hershel Ve Devorah
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Esther Minuk, beloved matriarch of our family. She was predeceased by her bashert, her beloved husband, Julius; her parents, Doris and Harry Golub; and her sister, Evelyn (Herbie).
Esther was a loving and proud mother, Baba, and Great-Baba to her children Yale, Rhonda (Tom), Perry (Abby), Jody, and Marla (Franklin); her grandchildren Jordan (Amy), Daniel (Allie), Allie (Jordan), Hannah, and Lily; and her great-grandchildren Julian, Aidan, and Eddie.
Known to many as `Queen Esther’, she led with kindness and integrity, always seeing the good in others. Her home was open and welcoming, filled with warmth, laughter, and love. She was sharp, compassionate, and deeply devoted to her family. We are heartbroken and forever grateful for the love and legacy she leaves behind. She will be eternally missed by her family.
Memorial donations may be made to B’nai Brith of Canada Foundation, 416-633-6224, https://bit.ly/4bRsabI or Sunnybrook Foundation, 416-480-4483, www.sunnybrook.ca/foundation
Obituaries
MILTON FREEDMAN
It is with profound sadness and much love that I announce the passing of Milton Freedman on October 30th, 2025, three months after we celebrated his 100th birthday. Milton was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Peter, his older brother Sam, and his younger brother Sid, with whom he shared a very special relationship. He is survived by his wife Joanie, his sister Ruby Donner, nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and a great-great nephew.
Family and friends meant everything to Milton, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. He was gentle and kind, quiet and dignified, thoughtful and wise. He gave the best advice, but only if asked.
Milton and I liked to travel, and for many years spent the winter in Palm Springs. We also travelled to Europe and England, and felt most at home in London. We reminisced endlessly about the river cruises we went on, and the amazing places we had the opportunity to visit, whether it was having dinner at a restaurant overlooking the North Sea, or attending a private concert at a palace in Vienna, or tasting Black Forest cake especially prepared for us, while we were in Germany’s Black Forest region. It all was stunning, magical, delicious. But it was the people we met along the way, who made everything even more special, and we never forgot them.
Milton was an avid reader, inhaling newspapers, magazines, and books as if they were oxygen. Remarkably, he remembered much of what he read, and it wasn’t unusual for him to quote a passage from a book that he had read years earlier, if it was relevant to a conversation. It was not to show off…that wasn’t who he was.
Milton was a runner, and for years ran ten miles, three times a week. On the days he didn’t run, he walked outdoors for two and a half hours. Eventually, he gave up running, preferring to walk seven days a week no matter the season, no matter the weather. This continued until he was well into his 80’s. And even in his 90’s Milton remained determined to walk, at first using one cane, then two, then a walker. When he was asked, how he did it, Milton simply said, “Just keep putting one foot in front of the other.” On occasion he might add, “And eventually you’ll get to where you’re going.”
Sage advice.
Milton is deeply missed, and will forever be remembered.
Obituaries
MARLI REBECCA SILVERMAN
Marli Rebecca Silverman passed away on March 11th at the age of 43 from end-stage renal disease. She lived her life with meaning, courage, and resilience, and touched everyone who knew her with her strength, warmth, and spirit.
She leaves behind her beloved daughter, Rylee, who was the light of her life; her father, Bruce; her brother, Matthew; Rylee’s father, Drake; and many family members and dear friends who will carry her memory forward with love.
Marli will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the impact she made on those around her.
May her memory be a blessing.
Donations in Marli’s memory may be made to Breakthrough T1D (breakthrought1d.ca).