In addition to the in-person service at the chapel, the funeral will also be live-streamed. To view the service virtually, please go to https://smclive.ca/ on Friday, December 22nd, 2023 at 12:00 p.m.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Alan Shore, beloved husband of Sheila for 65 years, and devoted father of Sari and Bruce Gilboord, Risa and Moishe Blaustein, Debra and Ira Teper z’l, Byron and Mimi Shore, and Heather and David Spiegel. “Zaida Al” was loved and cherished by his dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Al passed away on December 21, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, at the age of 93.

Al was born in Toronto on February 14th, 1930, and grew up in the Trinity-Bellwoods Park neighbourhood.  He studied languages at the University of Toronto and went on to become a career educator, teaching Latin, German, and primarily French to thousands of students over many years.  Often, his former students would lovingly recall their lessons with “Monsieur Shore.”

The observance and preservation of his Jewish identity was of utmost importance to him, a value that he transmitted to his family.  He was committed to attending services regularly at Shaarei Tefillah, and Sheila and Al’s home was always filled with family and friends during the holidays.  With strength of character and principled confidence, he consistently fought to ensure that his employers would provide him with time off to practice his faith.

Al was a kind and gentle soul who was always ready with a smile and a story to make you laugh.  He never grew old, but simply obtained “advanced youth.”  He carried himself as a gentleman with dignity, taking care to show sincere recognition and gratitude to all those who helped him, and to listen carefully and provide guidance when others sought wisdom and comfort.

As a grandfather, Zaida Al set the mold for ways to show love to his grandchildren, treasuring the time they spent together.  He would often be found holding a newborn, bouncing a toddler on his knee, and singing Doris Day songs to them sweetly – “I love you, a bushel and a peck.”

Al will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.  He taught us that even though life has its share of challenges, it is most certainly beautiful.  La vie est belle.

 

Memorial donations may be made to Hatzoloh Toronto (https://www.hatzolohtoronto.org/), or to Chai Lifeline Canada (https://chailifelinecanada.org/).