It is with great sadness that the family of Milton Lecker announces his passing on Saturday, November 19th, 2022 in Toronto. He was born in Winnipeg, February 13th, 1945…. Andrea Bocelli, Danny Kaye and Dick Van Dyke must have been conspiring with the stork that day. A soulfully, wide eyed, sensitive child, made way for a charming older self in a world then surrounded by a close-knit large family. Of the five Lecker kids, Milton was number two, first son, born to an English war bride, Molly, and a Winnipeg born father, Izzy. Talented, clever and disarmingly handsome – Milton captivated one and all. He sang and starred in many musicals in his hometown. He was a serious athlete. He was a math whiz. He grew up in West Kildonan, attended the University of Manitoba and was an active member of both the YMHA and his neighbourhood community. His friends remained friends, throughout childhood, high school, university, and business – in both Winnipeg and Toronto to this very day.
Milton was a successful and innovative restauranteur, an innovator of food creations – his Chocoholics shop was famed for its original creations. His Smokin’ Bones Ribs travelling food venture, preceded by years the current trend of food trucks. But business, social life and all other focus, paled in comparison to his greatest pride and joy, his son, Adam, and his successes. So too, Milton’s caring deeply for his other family members was genuine. His conversations with his siblings and cousins began and ended with “How are the kids?”, “What are they up to?” “That’s so great !!!”. His loss of a dad at an early age was profound. He revered his mom. His loyalty to his friends and family was unshakable.
It was not allowed in Milton’s conversations to say a bad word about anyone – ever. Though he famously gave advice to many, he also liked to give praise. He was, in his own way, a philosopher, puzzling out possibilities and ideas. Milton’s kindness and optimism was legendary. Not one comment following his passing hesitated to mention his thoughtfulness for others in spite of his later day health challenges. Perhaps his greatest legacy was the choice for a glass much more full than empty.
Milton’s funeral took place in Toronto at Benjamin’s Park Memorial Chapel, and he was laid to rest at the Pardes Chaim Cemetery in Richmond Hill. Left to mourn Milton are his partner in later years, Dorothy Melnick; his son, Adam Lecker (and wife Barbie); his brother, Brian Lecker, his sisters, Barbara Gabriel, Rivka Har El, Carolyn Lecker (and husband Mark Guslits). He will be sadly missed by his many cousins, his new grandson, Alex, niece and nephews, Paul, David, Asher, Danielle and Izzy (his godson). His very dear friends also share this loss. Let us all celebrate his memory.
