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, July 19th, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Barry Benjamin Coopersmith, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and cousin.  At age 74, he passed away peacefully at home in Whitby on July 16, 2024, surrounded by close family.  Predeceased by his parents, Saul and Selma Coopersmith, Barry’s memory is cherished and kept alive by his loving wife Maxine Coopersmith, his devoted children Koren and Aubrey Kassirer and Jacob and Elaine Coopersmith, his much-loved grandchildren Erez, Zev, Noam and Teva Kassirer and his dear sister and brother-in-law Rhoda and David Eisenstadt.  He also will be fondly remembered by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in law Saretta Baron and Ira Katzin, Faye Baron and Bruce Peterson, Stephen and Karen Baron, Lisa Baron and Erich Buss, David and Rachel Baron and Ruth and Jeff Erich, as well as by his many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

More important than anything was his family.  Barry remained devoted to his daughter and son as they grew up.  He never missed a 6:00pm dinner, despite his long work hours, the numerous evening committee meetings and the additional hours he put in as a founding partner of Bagel Bagel in Ottawa where he grew up.  He watched with pride and affection as Koren and Jay grew into responsible adults.  To his wife, Maxine, he was loving, kind, generous – her hero, her mentor and her very best friend.  Barry and Maxine spent decades together, travelling the world on vacations, taking their grandkids, one at a time, to Disney World when they turned 7 years old and on a cruise for their Bar Mitzvah.  These were wonderful years filled with rich memories.  Family meant everything to Barry – they always brought a smile to his face.

Twenty-five years ago, Barry showed his determination and resilience as he spent three years fighting and conquering lymphoma, following which he decided to retire and became an avid reader.  Throughout his illness, seeing his young grandchildren was better medicine than any doctor could have prescribed!  This past year, he battled and conquered lung cancer.  Throughout all his illnesses, he was a fighter who never gave up and stayed strong and positive no matter how demanding the challenges.  Barry’s warmth, wisdom, humour and wit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Barry had a very successful career working at various levels in municipalities in Gloucester (now part of Ottawa), Halifax, York (now part of Toronto) and Hamilton.  Through hard work, integrity, wisdom, wit and kindness, he attained the level of City Manager where he proved to be an excellent leader and agent of change.

Sincere thanks to all who were a part of Barry’s life and who helped get us through these difficult times.  Barry, you will be greatly missed!

We will remember Barry at his funeral on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 10am at Steeles Memorial Chapel, 350 Steeles Avenue West, Thornhill, Ontario, following which he will be laid to rest at Bathurst Lawn Cemetery.  Shiva will be at 33 Rice Drive in Whitby.  Shiva visits are Friday after the funeral, with services at 4 pm and from Sunday to Thursday from 1 pm to 4 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm with services at 7:00 pm.  Canada.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre (Whitby)  https://www.charleshbest.com/ or Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada https://www.bloodcancers.ca/.

If you would like to provide a Shiva meal, please go to https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/6z1k2k.