This service will also be livestreamed on Wednesday December 4th, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at http://smclive.

Marty Galin was a special person whose impact on humankind was enormous. He was born in Toronto, Ontario on May 9th in 1950.  

Marty was many things including a friend, an entertainer, a family member, and above all a truly unique individual. 

Those of us who had the honor of knowing Marty, understood he had a way of making people feel seen and valued with an incredible ability to connect with others. 

Marty made people laugh, a lot. His frizzy afro-like hairdo, his big red lense-less glasses and his infectious optimism and jovial nature, could brighten up the darkest of rooms.  

As a friend, Marty was extraordinarily loyal and dependable. He was always present when needed – in person or through his many daily phone calls to those whom he loved. His generosity of spirit and kindness was unparalleled and extended to all individuals from someone living on the street to the CEO of a corporation. 

Material things meant little to Marty. His concentration throughout his life and his greatest successes, were his relationships – sharing a meal with someone he loved or partaking in a conversation that could go on for hours if not days. 

Marty was the middle of three siblings – his older sister Gaye and younger brother, Brian. They grew up in a challenging time, but were able to embrace the dancing and singing found in their home. Marty adored his mother, whom everyone called ‘Chicky’ and he kept her name alive through the many TV and radio characters he created. Marty was a great lover of dogs, and even named his final pet, a Westhighland Terrier, “Chicky” after his mom). Marty’s father, David, passed away from Multiple Sclerosis, when Marty was only eleven years old. His father’s early death had a major effect on him. 

Marty had a deep love for his ‘Big Brother’ Peter, and wife, Marta, Holocaust Survivors. The childless couple embraced Marty all the days of their lives and upon their demise, gifted Marty with all their possessions. They did so, because he was good to them, just like a son. 

While Marty’s Jewishness was not at the forefront of his life, he would enjoy a Shabbat meal at a friend’s home. His oldest friend, Julius, a religious Jew would frequently invite Marty to his home for Passover Seders. Similarly, he adored Christmas and Thanksgiving feasts at his dear friend Gloria’s house. 

Marty’s partner on radio and television was Avrum. Together they produced and hosted a long series of food and human interest shows, including a number that were of a Jewish nature, including a wedding, a bar mitzvah and even a circumcision. 

Marty had a heart full of passion, and whatever he set his mind to, he did with all his energy and enthusiasm. Some of the shows Marty wrote, produced and starred in were:  “Galinsky’s”, “Prime Rib,” “Convertible Cabaret” and “The Junior Jays.” He was also on commercial radio in Toronto for a decade (Talk 640, CFRB, CHFI) as a half of ‘Marty & Avrum: The Food Guys’ where he and Avrum would interview chefs, servers, sommeliers, hoteliers, and stars such as Harry Belafonte and Michael Bublé. 

Marty brought a sense of integrity and dedication that inspired everyone around him. With fierce focus Marty created and produced major events like ‘Soupalicious’, ‘Tacolicious’ and ‘Currylicious’. He created the biggest salad in the world at a huge outdoor event in Scarborough and subsequently fed thousands of people, including the impoverished. 

Marty was sick for a long time, but despite his illness he showed all of who knew him what it meant to be one’s true self and to pursue goals with vigor, and he never backed down from doing what he believed was right.

His sense of humor was infectious and he had the ability to make people laugh, even in the most trying of times. Marty would lighten the mood with a well-timed joke, reminding us not to take life too seriously and to always find joy, even when things were tough. His laughter will forever echo in our hearts.

Today, as we say goodbye, we take solace in the memories we shared with Marty. While we may no longer have him physically by our side, his spirit will continue to live on in each of us. We will carry forward the lessons he taught us, the laughter he shared with us, and the love he gave so generously. And of course, we’ll always remember his famous turkey recipe with Coca-Cola and orange juice. 

Marty’s light will never fade, and our memories of him will be a source of comfort and strength. Rest in peace our dear Marty, knowing you made a difference in the lives of so many. You will be missed, but you will never be forgotten.

Memorial donations may be made to Toronto Humane Society 416-392-2273 https://www.torontohumanesociety.com/

or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto https://bbbstoronto.com/ways-to-give/donate/

or St. Michael’s Hospital https://unityhealth.to/locations/st-michaels-hospital/