Private Family Service

Milton (Mickey) Katz, 1923-2021
We sadly announce the passing of Milton (Mickey) Katz, aged 97, on February 17, 2021. Mickey lived a full and vibrant life, and is survived by his loving family: wife Shirley, children Barbara, Stephen (and wife Patricia) and Jeff (and wife Deirdre), grandchildren Naomi, Michael, Jonathan and Ryan, sister Helen, nephew Irving and niece Marsha. Mickey was many things, always wise and resilient, having lived through the dramatic events of the 20th and 21st centuries, growing up as a poor child in the Depression, fighting as an infantry soldier overseas during World War 2, working as a maker of fine men’s clothing, managing a wholesale company at the Ontario Food Terminal, and living his dream to become an artist in his retirement years. His paintings, several award-winners, hang in homes, offices, hospitals, banks and foundations, and are cherished for their warmth and the familiar stories they evoke from around the world. Mickey took from his love of swing jazz, graceful hand-crafted suits, baseball and French impressionist painting a refined and cool style that he exuded in all he did, no matter how small or delicate.  He delighted in the senses – colors, smells, landscapes, foods, music, textures –  and Shirley, his children and grandchildren were always pleased to share in his discoveries. Mickey’s wide network of friends loved him for his support of them, his humour and tolerance, and his never forgetting who they were and what they meant to him. Mickey will continue to inspire us and we will thrive with the blessings of the memories he has left behind. In the time before he died he knew that living for him was coming to an end, but he never gave up on the beauty of life nor the power of human goodness. If you wish to make a donation in Mickey’s honor, donations to  Diabetes Canada would be appreciated.