Stephen Rukasin

Memorial donations may be made to the Forest Hill Lions Club, 12 Bobwhite Crescent, Toronto, Ont., M2L 2E1, Attention: Sol Mednick, https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/foresthill/

Date of Death: Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Yahrzeit Day: 24 Cheshvan

Date of Funeral: Thursday, November 12, 2020

Memorial Service Location: Private Family Service

Burial Service Location: Pardes Shalom Cemetery, Simcha Congregation section

Shiva Details: Private Shiva

Message of Condolence

Posted on 12.11.2020 - 12:02 PM

Lillian

Words can’t describe how sorry I am at this loss. Steve will be missed by so many people. I will never forget his kindness, generosity and will to make positive changes to the world. May God give him eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the great pain.

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Posted on 12.11.2020 - 1:02 PM

Linda Soudack

We will miss being with this gentle soul. I always learned from Stephan about politics and Siggy so enjoyed discussions with him. I can still see his beautiful smile as we joined him up at the cottage for many meals. Marni & Sol you certainly were the best friends he ever had. Thank you both for this introduction. He will always be remembered. Linda & Siggy

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Posted on 12.11.2020 - 2:10 PM

Penny, Mike & Howard Hassan

We have no idea who will receive this message since both Ellen and Ruby, his parents have passed away. But whoever gets it we'd appreciate hearing from you. I just emailed Stephen recently regarding some family info. The last I heard from him was after his surgeries of not long ago. Ruby , his father was a 1st cousin once removed to my husband Mike. Please please let us know what happened. We are more than shocked and saddened by this horrible news. We are in total dis believe.

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Posted on 12.11.2020 - 3:41 PM

HAROLD MEDJUCK

The funeral took place Thursday, Nov 12, at Beth Meyer section, of the Greater Jewish Cemetery on Northern Dufferin. There were about 20 people in attendance. Eulogies were given by Mrs. Barry ( Davida) Lipkus, Dr. Arnie Ein and Harold Medjuck Stephen's unique qualities of friendship and gentle spirit were extolled by all. May his memory be a blessing and inspiration always.

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Posted on 12.11.2020 - 6:29 PM

Alyson Socaransky

I very sad to hear of Stephen's passing. He was a kind, funny and sweet man. I have many fond memories of him growing up. There is not a single Important moment in our family lives he was not apart of. We will miss him at family holidays and occasions. RIP Stephen! You will be missed! BDH Lots of love Cousin Alyson Socaransky

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Posted on 12.11.2020 - 6:49 PM

Davida Lipkus

Stephen was a special individual.Barry and I are going to miss his smile, sense of humour and my political discussions with him and then you would see the smirk. We will miss sharing birthday dinners and concerts. Been a difficult six months. I am truly honoured to be his friend

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Posted on 12.11.2020 - 7:51 PM

Ken & Miriam Goldstein

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Stephen . Please accept our sincere sympathies. Stephen was a kind and generous individual . He will be sadly missed . May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him. Baruch Dayan Ha'Emet.

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Posted on 12.11.2020 - 8:51 PM

Nancy Kaplan

It is with a heavy heart that I am sending condolences for Stephen . He was way too young to leave us. It just reconfirms that we must use each day to the fullest even through these unprecedented times. May all who knew him be spared no more sorrow. With sincere sadness, Nancy Kaplan

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Posted on 12.11.2020 - 10:06 PM

LORNE SHIELDS

So long Stephen. You "are" a special guy. I am much the better man for having met you. Your perspecives were very much pro Canadian, pro friendships. pro loyalty and pro responsible government. I was a lucky person when I made your acquaintance. Thanks for the values you instilled in me.....SHALOM ...

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Posted on 13.11.2020 - 12:18 AM

Hartley

Sorry to hear the sad news. Steve was a strong believer in Canadian values that we all cherish. I can’t think of a more appropriate time than Remembrance Day for him to pass.

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Posted on 13.11.2020 - 9:51 AM

Marni & Sol Mednick

Sol and I will miss him greatly. As quiet as he was, his presence was always around. His sense of humour, his smile and his love of Fox News especially Hannity, my cookies, eating out were always part of our life with him. Knowing that he is in a better place now with NO PAIN eases our loss. We have certainly lost a true. sincere and generous friend.

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Posted on 13.11.2020 - 6:11 PM

RICHARD MILLSTEIN

I live in the condo next door to Stephen's in Florida, and we became friends over the last 10 years. He undertook to be the president of our building condo association for most of that time. His dedication and determination to get the building and grounds ship shape, and make it a pleasant place for all the residents was truly impressive. He devoted a great deal of time to this and encouraged several other residents to participate in the these efforts. When anyone in the building suffered a loss or an illness he always made an effort to help any way that he could. We enjoyed walks on the beach, meals together, and just chatting about world affairs over a coffee. Stephen was a great friend and I will miss him terribly.

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Posted on 13.11.2020 - 6:16 PM

Sheldon Cohen

Freda and I have lost a very close friend.Stephen was always there to lend a helping hand.We offer our sincere condolences to friends and family.We remember fondly all the fun times in Glace Bay,Montral,Toronto and Florida.

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Posted on 13.11.2020 - 8:23 PM

Susan Anapolsky Borden

Dearest Cousin Stephen, you will be missed by us all. Keeping you in my warmest thoughts and prayers. Forever loved, forever remembered.

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Posted on 14.11.2020 - 12:41 AM

STUSH and JESSIE GOLDSTEIN

It was great knowing Stephen these past many years. We will miss his company, jokes and endless political discussions with the guys at the coffee shop and our times together. He was a good and kind friend.

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Posted on 14.11.2020 - 8:53 AM

Robert Anapolsky

We are all deeply saddened by Cousin Stephen death, words just can't say enough. Stephen kind voice and great funny stories are so special can never be forgotten. With warm thoughts and prayers, may you rest in peace. Robert, Monica and Nicholas Anapolsky

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Posted on 14.11.2020 - 12:14 PM

David Cherun

I’ve known Stephen since we were ‘knee high to a grasshopper’. We shared countless great memories with each other. After I left Glacé Bay I would come back each summer and stay with Stephen and his parents. At Mt. A we were roommates together. Steve was the best man at my wedding. Just to name a few samples of our closeness. After my accident he was there for me- visits and phone calls along with Montreal smoked meat! Steve, I will miss you more than words can speak. Thank you Marni and Sol for being there for Stephen.

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Posted on 15.11.2020 - 10:26 AM

Michael Mostyn

I just heard now of Stephen’s passing. He was gentle, kind, caring and loyal - with a great sense of humour. I always appreciated his advice and how deeply he cared for Canada and it’s safety and security. We don’t often use the term in Canada, but he was a patriot. I got to know Steve quite well over close to the last 20 years and he will truly be missed. Baruch Dayan Ha’Emet.

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Posted on 15.11.2020 - 12:37 PM

The Sabia Family

It’s with deepest sadness having to say goodbye to our dearest Cousin Stephen. He was a very kind and soft spoken gentleman. We’ve spent many great times together with him. He was such a wonderful son too to his parents Ruby and Ellen. We will miss him very much. May he Rest In Peace. With love from Sandra Sabia Anapolsky, Cynthia Sabia, Deby Sabia Dion and Norm Dion (son-in-law). xo

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Posted on 15.11.2020 - 3:14 PM

Creamy and Michael

Stephen was a kind and generous person.His heart was in the right place . He was surrounded by devoted cousins and a strong network of friends. He was well versed and could hold his own on any topic or issue.He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all those whose lives he touched . His passing brings the Rukasin family full circle . His father Ruby was born November 11th. Stephen left us the same day. May his memory be a blessing to all those who knew him. Baruch Dayan HaEmet. Creamy and Michael Goldstein

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Posted on 15.11.2020 - 5:21 PM

Creamy and Michael

Stephen was a kind and generous person. His heart was in the right place.Stephen was well versed and could hold his own on any topic or issue.He was surrounded by devoted cousins and a strong and committed network of friends.He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who lives he touched. His passing brings the Rukasin family full circle .His father, Ruby , was born on November 11 and Stephen left us on November 11. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him Baruch Dayan Ha’Emet.Creamy and Michael Goldstein

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Posted on 15.11.2020 - 5:52 PM

Barry Sniderman/ShirleyBarnes

A wonderful friend for 40 years will be missed. Keep thinking of his sense of humor and twinkle in his eyes. RIP Stephen.

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Posted on 15.11.2020 - 7:01 PM

Alan & Sheila Mostyn & family

Stephen was a good friend. He often joined by brother Lou and I and other lawyers at our office for lunch when in his quiet voice we would discuss politics and security. Stephen had many connections in the world of security and contributed his ideas to their posts and writings. He participated in our democratic elections with knowledge and good counsel, knocking on doors and and putting up signs. He loved to laugh and had always had the most magnificent smile. He was a true friend to all members of my family. He will be truly missed.

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Posted on 15.11.2020 - 11:19 PM

Jack Shore & Karen Agulnik

I have known Stephen since our days growing up in Glace Bay, from shul to minions to Young Judeans to Sunday morning hockey, to our more recent years in Toronto sharing lunches and discussions of politics, security and law. Stephen had a tremendous memory of political names and facts and an excellent sense of humor which was evident in his genuine smile and sometimes, if you were lucky, very hearty laugh, which will be sorely missed. He was an honest and loyal friend and a true Canadian patriot. May his memory be for a blessing.

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Posted on 16.11.2020 - 10:25 AM

ALAN GOLDSTEIN

Alan Goldstein My fond memories of the late Stephen, is he was always knowlegeable in the political and financial areas. You would ask him for advise, and he would go on and on with his thoughts and his wisdom! But I was so happy that I can crack jokes during our serious conversations!(usually does not laugh)and he would say Alan love that joke or the good positive comments! Thanks for making me laugh!! Not too many people have that ability to do that like you! That is what I will remember with me! Bless you Stephen! May Hashem take care of you in heaven! As he took care of you on earth!! You are always in my heart!!

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Posted on 16.11.2020 - 1:03 PM

Allan Carr

I met Stephen at the Adath Israel Synagogue in 2,000. We were saying Kaddish for a parent. Over the years we spent many hours together both in and of synagogue. I found Stephen to be a good friend and a person dedicated to the many strong beliefs held by Stephen. I will miss Stephen Allan Carr

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Posted on 16.11.2020 - 1:12 PM

Larry Swern

Every morning I would wake up to a barrage of emails from Stephen. Steve was a person of strong views, dedicated to friends and family and especially to the Jewish cause. Every morning I wake up and go to my computer expecting to see emails from Steve. I miss you Steve.

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Posted on 22.11.2020 - 11:21 AM

Victor Redlick

I liked Steve from the minute I first met him. Over the years we skyped, phoned, emailed; had coffee, lunch or dinner and at the root of all these occasions was enthusiasm for the political and socio-economic processes in all their intrigues for us to review. First and foremost he cared about truth and honesty and was a shining example of that credo himself. He'll forever have been known as a tyrer mensch. I am honored that we shared a genuine friendship. May Shmuel ben Reuven's z"l soul be bound up in the bond of eternal life. Amen.

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Posted on 22.11.2020 - 4:23 PM

Georganne Burke

I was so shocked to hear this. Such a lovely and intelligent man. May he rest in peace. May his friends and family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

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Posted on 22.11.2020 - 8:40 PM

Hilda, Sheldon & Evelyn

We were saddened to hear that our dear cousin Stephen Rukasin had passed away. Stephen was a quiet man but he had a quick wit, a great sense of humor and was always very interested in discussing politics with family & friends. Stephen was a very devoted and caring son. We have a wonderful memory of the 90th birthday bash he planned for his mother Ellen.To all of Stephen’s family and friends, we extend our most sincere and heartfelt condolences. May his memory be a blessing . With love, cousins, Sheldon & Evelyn Berenbaum, Hilda Berenbaum.

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Posted on 22.11.2020 - 10:11 PM

Scott Anapolsky

Always finding the right words is never an easy thing. Like his Father, and even more so, his Mom, my Auntie Ellen, as i so often called her, Stephen was witty, funny, and always with a smile, even in times that weren't so easy. His wisdom, was always on a quiet simmer. He was aware, and always in the know, with that same humor, and soft spoken way. As sad as things are in the situation, there should be thoughts of happiness to a point. For now he will be reunited with his mom and Dad, which is also something that should be looked at as a blessing. Take care up there Stephen. Heaven has just received one of the good ones. Scott, Jennifer, and Aiden Anspolsky.

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Posted on 30.01.2021 - 2:00 PM

Shirley Greenford

Sorry to hear of the loss of my cousin Stephen. In the book of Job it says If a man dies, can he live again? I will wait all the days of my compulsory service Until my relief comes. You will call, and I will answer you. You will long for the work of your hands.

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Posted on 05.05.2021 - 10:07 AM

Michael Isaac

I have known Steve since the 1970's. A great guy. I haven't lived in Canada for many years and knew something was wrong when I stopped receiving his emails. RIP Steve. I will miss you.

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