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Sunday, December 15, 2024 - 12:04 PM

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(905) 881-6003

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Benjamin Rothman

Private Family Service

Funeral service will be livestreamed. Please go to smclive.ca on Monday, January 11, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.

  • Ben Rothman passed away Saturday, January 9, 2021, survived by his wife, Cynthia Fisher; his daughter Sara Rothman; her husband Maurice Aube; and grand-daughters, Cate and Rebecca; sister and brother-in-law, Rose and Kevin Kardash; nieces and nephews, Cindy (David Lalonde), Tracey (Albert Anthony) and Mark Kardash and sister-in-law, Valerie Fisher. Born in Uzbekistan at the end of WWII,  Ben and his family moved to Ottawa after surviving the Holocaust. Raised in Ottawa, Ben moved to Toronto where he was quietly committed to supporting those most vulnerable. He will be remembered by friends and family for his deep appreciation of the arts and his collections were legendary; they ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous.  After living with the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease for a number of years, ultimately he succumbed to colon cancer. Ben will be deeply missed by family and friends.

    Donations may be made to Singing with Parkinson’s, Dancing with Parkinson’s, or the charity of your choice.

Date of Death: Saturday, January 9, 2021
Yahrzeit Day: Tevet 26
Date of Funeral: Monday, January 11, 2021
Memorial Service Location: Private Family Service
Burial Service Location: Bathurst Lawn Cemetery 6033 Bathurst St, Toronto , First Narayver section
Shiva Details: Shiva private

Message of Condolence

Paula Wolfson
dear Cynthia and Sarah and family, if i feel a hole in my heart, it's no comparison to the chasm in yours. i was blessed to be welcomed into your circle of friends and i thank you for that. we'll find comfort, one day, in happy memory of Ben and that will be a blessing, too. mi shebeirach. Paula Wolfson
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Fran Bacal
My deepest condolences on your loss of your beloved Ben. Fran Bacal
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Fran and Murray Ellis
Our deepest sympathy to you and Ben's family on the loss of a wonderful husband and father. He was a true gentleman.
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Steve Rothman
Cynthia,Sarah and family, Rose and Kevin and family. I am saddened to learn of the passing of my cousin Ben Zl. May his memory be a blessing. Steve Rothman
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Lonia Krygier and Harry Baum
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ben. We consider ourselves enriched to have known Ben. He was truly a wonderful Mensch. He was big man not only physically but spiritually as well. He carried within himself enormous intellect, a huge heart filled with love and generosity and a magnificent sense of humour. All our love, Lona and Harry
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Ruth and Lou Abrams
Our deepest condolences to you Cynthia and to Sarah and family.
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Elaine Gold
Dear Cynthia, I am so sorry to hear of Ben's passing. He was a wonderful man and I know that his memory will be a blessing for you. My deepest condolences to you and the whole family.
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Ron Williamson and Debbie Steiss
Cynthia, We were so sorry to hear of Ben's passing. Our thoughts are with you and family. I miss seeing you in the "hood," but when the warm weather returns, our backyard is open to you for a glass of wine an some hugs.
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Karyn Seidman
Dear Cynthia...I just wanted to add my condolences to you and your family on the loss of Ben. I am hoping that his sweet memories will fill the days to come. Karyn Seidman
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Corinne Rothman-Taylor
Dear Cynthia, Rose and family, Our sincere condolences on the passing of Cousin Ben. May his memory be a blessing. Corinne and Sheldon
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Marietta Levinson
Dear Cynthia and Valerie and Sara My deepest condolences to you all at this time. Ben was a very special man who fought for others in his work and life. Especially, I remember how he cared for others in his family and friends' circle. He was caring, gentle and kind. I miss him very much as does my daughter Sarah.
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Sandra Dudley
Dear Cynthia, We are saddened to learn of Ben’s passing. Ron and I have such warm memories of Ben at singing and dancing. His jovial nature always shone through. May his memory be a blessing. Deepest sympathy to you and your family. Sandra Dudley and Ronald Youd
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Margie
I’m so sorry to hear of Ben’s passing. I have very fond memories of him.
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GEORGE BERGER
Dear Cynthia, I am saddened to hear about the loss of Ben. He was an extremely kind and caring individual, and a friend to many. May his memory be a blessing. George Berger
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Shelley Rothman
Dear Cynthia, Rose & Family, I was so saddened to read about the loss of Cousin Bennie. May your cherished memories give you all strength at this difficult time. Love, Shelley
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Hannah Brown
Cynthia and Sara and your families...sending wishes for comfort for you all. Ben's contributions to the world were extensive and very meaningful. May his name and the memories of his times with you all be a blessing.
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Aviva Cipin
Dearest Cynthia, Jeff and I were so sorry to hear of Ben's passing. May you get much strength and love from your family and friends, to whom both Ben and you have been so dedicated. Love, Aviva
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Richard L Lapointe
Please accept my condolences.
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Paul Adler
My most sincere condolences on loss of Ben. I knew him from his earliest political campaigns and always found him a gentle and respectful person.
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Heather Fitzgerald Johnson
Sara, Mo, Rebecca, Cate, Cynthia and all of Mr. Rothman's loved ones, I am so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you during these difficult times. My sincere condolences.
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Jeannie and Aaron Cohen
Dear Cynthia - to you and your family - we hope that time will help heal your sorrow and that good memories of the past will be a source of comfort in the future.
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Rosalie Moscoe
Dear Cynthia, Sara and Rose and families, We are so sorry for the loss of Ben. We loved spending time with Ben through all the elections for Howard and other great events. He was fun, loving, always reaching out to people. Raymond loved spending time talking to Ben in the office and will always remember that. Our deepest sympathies for all the family. He will be sorely missed. Much love, Raymond & Rosalie Moscoe
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Resha and Marty Kaplan
We were sad hearing of Ben's passing. We remember him from our early days at The Narayever Shul with great fondness. Although we have been out of touch for many years we hold many good memories of him and our times together. May you all find comfort remembering the love you shared together. Our deepest sympathies on your loss.
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Linda Lapointe and Bill Steiss
Dear Cynthia and Sarah and family, Our thoughts are with you in this difficult time. We will remember Ben as a very gentle, insightful person with a wry sense of humour.
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Linda Rothman
We r so sorry to learn of Ben's death. He had a great sense of humour. He will be missed. May you know no more sorrow. Fred Wilson and Linda Rothman
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HAIM BANK
Our deepest condoleces on your loss.
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Dalit sharon
Dear Sarah and Rose ... Participate in your grief and offer our sincere condolences on the death of your father / brother Ben Rotman, who will let you know no more grief from the entire Bank family in Israel
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Hasan Abdurrehman
Dear Sara, it's sad to hear about the passing of your father. Deepest condolences to you and your family.
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Marcia Kardash
Cynthia and Sarah and family and Rose and Kevin and family, I am sorry for your loss . I have heard so many wonderful things of Ben, and would like to express my sympathy to all of you. Share your good memories and be a comfort to each other.
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Jane Karwat
Ben was kind, funny and one of the most decent people I have ever worked with. A conversation with Ben was always an adventure and a learning experience. My condolences to Cynthia and his family and many friends. May his memory be a blessing. Jane
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Sheila Pinkus
Dearest Cynthia, I am so sorry to learn that Ben passed away.My heart is with you at this very difficult time.Deepest condolences to you and to all who knew and loved him
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Louise Gorby
Cynthia, I'm very sorry for your loss. May you be comforted by good memories.
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Karyn Spiesman
An amazing man has left us but he did leave his imprint on so many people. He will be very fondly remembered. Sending our deepest sympathies to Cynthia and the entire family. Karyn and David
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David Gurin and Laura Simich
We are terribly saddened by Ben’s death. Our acquaintance with Ben started with shared interests in progressive politics and Yiddishkeit, but it went on to deep friendship. Having a friend like Ben was like having a true brother, someone who you know absolutely you can rely on. His memory is a blessing to all who knew him.
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Irene D Sepp
Dear Cynthia: I have fond memories of working with Ben for many, many ears - sometimes trying - most times fun-loving and interesting. He was kind-hearted and loyal and will be missed by all. My sincerest condolences to you and family and may he rest in the peace he so richly deserves. Irene Sepp
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Rachel Kampf
Dear Cynthia, I am so so sorry for your loss. I am thinking of you. Rachel Kampf
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Ruth and Sam Kates
We are very sad to hear of Ben's passing. He was such a wonderful person - we loved chatting dance performances and the arts together. Big hugs and love to Cynthia, Sarah and the rest of the family.
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Joe Mihevc
Ben was a sweet and gentle man. His wisdom in understanding human dynamics in a political environment made him much appreciated at city hall. He was deeply committed to his politics of social justice. And he did his work with great compassion. I would bump into him on the street from time to time. Always insightful. also present to the conversation. His memory is a blessing to all the communities of which he was a part. My condolences to Cynthia and family.
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sarah
My deepest sympathy. We will miss Ben so much. Sending so much love xo
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lindi g. papoff
Cynthia, my heartfelt sympathies to you at this time of devastating loss. Though Ben's struggles were arduous in recent years - I know his big warm smile and laughter continued, despite the pain and difficulty, and that you were always by his side. Ben was a gentle soul and I will always remember fondly how he helped out both me and my mom at various challenging times. May he now be pain free and at peace. And may his memory be a blessing. Z"l
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Marla Goldstone
Dearest Cynthia - Ben blessed others with his gentleness, thoughtfulness and kindness. May you be comforted by your memories knowing that those who knew him, are mourning his loss with you. Marla Goldstone
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Hannah Brown
Dear Rose, Kevin, Cindy, Mark and Tracey...wishing you comfort. I know how much you loved Ben and he you. His name and all of the wonderful things he did for our world is a blessing.
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Jeffrey & Lynnda
Dear Cynthia & Family, Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your dearly beloved Ben. We are so sorry. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. Jeffrey & Lynnda
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Judy Berkal
Dear Cynthia, Our deepest condolence to you and your family at this time. Our thoughts are with you and we hope that you will draw comfort from your close family and friends. The world has lost a true mensch. Judy and Harvey Berkal
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Debbie Carlin
Cynthia, Sarah and family, Rose and Kevin and family. So very sad on Benny's passing. Due to my age difference I did not know cousin Ben as well as some. He did however impact my memories with his sweet loving smile and his gentle soft voice. Benny was always a light in the room. I was always happy to hear Ben was in town and loved the chance to see him. Ben made the world a better place through his kindness, generosity , and love for humanity. He was a kind soul that will be sadly missed. Cousin Debbie and James Carlin (Rothman)
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Judy (and Ryon) Klein
Oh Cynthia, Ryon and I send our deepest condolences. What a heartbreaking day, during such a heartbreaking time. We raised a glass of slivovitz yesterday, to Ben. To you. Though it's been way too many years since we were together, we will always remember him, and cherish him, as such a kind, gentle, great soul.
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Wayne Haymer
I am very sorry for your loss. This has been a very sad time for you the past couple of years. My heart and prayers are with you.
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Edie Saunders
My deep condolences to you Cynthia and to Ben's family... what a lovely and interesting man the world has lost. It was a pleasure to see him chuckle at the annual Christmas dinners. Wishing you many happy memories of better times.... Edie
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Ted Cooper
Ben was a such a sweet and living person. It was an honour and a blessing to know him. He will be sorely missed.
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David Levi
Hi Cynthia, I was so sorry to hear about Ben. He was a warm and humble person dedicated to making change. Leaving a mark in bettering the world you came into is all one can ask and Ben certainly did that. If, sorry, when we travel again let's get together either here or there. Hugs from Daphne and I.
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Brian Manson
Cynthia, my condolences to you and the Rothman family. Ben was a great guy and will be sadly missed. Brian Manson
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Joe Pantalone
Very sad to just have heard of Ben's passing and deep condolences to Cynthia and the whole family. I had the privilege of working with Ben at City Hall where with his patience, know-how, and charm he worked to serve the people of Toronto with integrity and effectiveness , Thank You Ben , Love You and miss You
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Micky Fraterman
Dear Cynthia, I was very sad to learn about the passing of Ben. Although I didn't know him well at all I heard much about him and are very grateful for the wonderful founding work he did for our Narayever community as one of the early Presidents and keeper of the traditions. Wishing you comfort in the many happy memories. My sincere condolences to you and the family. Micky Fraterman
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elllen lesiuk/Michael Gottheil
We are deeply saddened to hear the news that Ben has died. He was always kind and a great conversationalist with interesting and compelling perspectives to share... Our sympathies to the family.
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Brenda and Jerry Enchin
We had the pleasure of spending the summer of 1963 with bright, sweet Ben at Camp Biluim, the national leadership camp for Canadian Young Judaea (Ben from Ottawa, Brenda from Niagara Falls and Jerry from Kitchener-Waterloo). Our paths crossed again only once in Toronto several years ago. We are sad to learn that Ben dealt with such difficult health challenges, but gratified to read that his life made a positive difference for so many. May Ben's memory forever be a blessing in the lives of his family and friends and may you all find comfort and strength in knowing you shared your life's journey with this special man. Brenda (Bogomolny) and Jerry Enchin
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Dorothy McWatters
My deepest sympathies to you Cynthia and your and Ben’s family on his death. A lovely kind and generous man who always made me feel welcome in your home. Even though he is gone he will endure in your loving memories and in so many peoples fond memories of time with him.
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Paul Bain
Dear Cynthia, We are so saddened by the news. Ben was a very special man, with wonderful values that he pursued and fulfilled his whole life and a very special sense of humour. He will be remembered with respect and fondness by everyone who was fortunate enough to have met him. Stay strong. Paul Bain and Shawna Perlin
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Linda Gruson
Dear Cynthia I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Ben. Sending deepest sympathy and hugs. Linda
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STANLEY & HARRIET ROTHMAN
We are saddened to hear of cousin Ben's passing and extend our sincere condolences to all who loved him. תהא נפשו/ה צרורה בצרור החיים "May his soul be bound up in the bond of life."
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Ricki Cohen
Cynthia, My sincere condolences on Ben's z"l passing. May his memory be a blessing.
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Isabel Pappe
Dear Cynthia, Stephen and I were most saddened to learn of Ben's death from Shelley. We have fond memories of your having been at one of our summer BBQ's and, of course, seeing you at Bonder simchas. Our condolences to you over your loss. Warmly, Isabel & Stephen
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Debra Lary
My sincere condolences to Cynthia and family.
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Sara Pedersen
Dearest Cynthia we are so sorry for your loss. Ben was such a kind and caring person. He will be missed. Thinking of you and all the family and sending hugs and our love.
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Debra Merowitz
Dear Cynthia, I am so sad to read this news. Ben was a lovely man with a gentle demeanor and a great conversationalist (altho quieter when you were around). May the warm memories and the support of family and friends bring you some comfort during this difficult time and may you know no more sorrow. Big virtual hug!
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Ben Fisher
Dearest Cynthia, We are saddened by the loss of such a kind soul. I will always have fond memories of Ben. Especially from our road trip to Niagara Falls. I hope these messages and words of support can bring you some comfort in such a difficult time. Lots of love, Ben, Tedi, Ari & Iza Fisher
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Eva Pyatt
My deep condolences to Ben's family. He was such a kind, calm presence and dedicated public servant. My thought are with you.
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Sonja Kesten
Cynthia, Sarah, Rosie and family we are so sorry to hear about the passing of cousin Ben. Our deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother. May his memory be a blessing and comfort you. Sonja & Ron Kesten
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David Marigold
To Cynthia and family, My deepest condolences on your loss. We will miss Ben. David Marigold
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Eunice Savino
Dear Cynthia I was so very sorry to learn of Ben’s passing. I will always remember him as a kind and gentle man. He will be truly missed. Eunice Savino
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Nancy Lev
Dear Cynthia. So hard to walk this path with you. May Ben find the peace and serenity which he no doubt deserved.
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Robyn Perlmutar
Dearest Cynthia: Please accept our sympathy for your profound loss. May your sadness quickly turn to happy memories. Love Robyn, Carl and Emma
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Barbara Fisher
Cynthia - We are so very saddened by the loss of lovely, gentle Ben, who will be missed by so many. You know we are with you always and of course wish we could be together in person. Over time, we hope you will feel his presence more than his absence. With love, Barbara, Mark & Emily
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Norman Gardner
I would like to send my condolences to Ben`s family on this sad occasion. Ben was a caring individual and always a pleasure to talk to . I am sorry to hear that he had medical problems to deal with in the past few years. A mensch gone too soon.
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claude and Sylvia Bergeron
Dear Cynthia, Our deepest condolences to you and your family on your loss. We didn't know Ben, but remember his quiet presence at the Parkinson's monthly meetings. Claude and Sylvia Bergeron.
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Linda Woloshyn
Dear Cynthia and family, Please accept my sincerest condolences for the passing of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Linda Woloshyn
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Darlene Hill
Dear Cynthia, My sincere condolences to You and Your Family. I was saddened to hear of the loss of your loving husband Benjamin. May He Rest in Peace! You are in my thoughts Cynthia. Sincerely, Darlene Hill
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Lisa Roy
Dear Cynthia, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincerest condolences. May you find comfort in your family and your friends, and in your cherished memories. With love, Lisa Roy (Miles Nadal JCC)
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David Miller
Cynthia, Sara and family: Jill and I want to send our condolences. What a man Ben was - smart; decent; effective; strategic; good humored and above all with a huge empathy for others. He was a Dwight to work with at City Hall, and had the respect and admiration of everyone, and the love of all who cared about a better future in which no one was left behind. What a man. We are so sorry for your loss - you are all in our thoughts.
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David Miller and Jill Arthur
Cynthia, Sara and family: Jill and I want to send our condolences. What a man Ben was - smart; decent; effective; strategic; good humored and above all with a huge empathy for others. He was a delight to work with at City Hall, and had the respect and admiration of everyone, and the love of all who cared about a better future in which no one was left behind. What a man. We are so sorry for your loss - you are all in our thoughts.
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Cyndy Winkler
No words can express my sadness at the loss of the smiling, singing and impishly beguiling Ben. It was such a pleasure to get to know Ben through "Singing with Parkinsons". He was a mensch. My life has been enriched by having known him. I send sincere wishes to comfort Cynthia and the family. He will be missed by many.
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Ann Ball and George Comninel
Always boldly truthful yet gentle in manner, Ben was not only respected but loved by all he worked beside at City Hall. Ben embodied all what is good the political arena's dedicated staff. We will remember him always.
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Ingrid Ages Thompson
Dear Rothman Family: Please accept my sincere condolences. I first met Ben about 60 years ago at a Canadian Young Judea meeting in Ottawa. It was a closely knit group of enthusiastic participants who remained connected throughout our high school years, at events, camps, and especially at Biluim ‘63. After high school, many of us left Ottawa to further our education and job prospects with a few of us ending up in the Toronto area. My husband Joe and I met Ben at a Young Judea reunion probably in 1987 and got a chance to get caught up, but unfortunately lost touch again. But I had a surprise via my Uncle Louis Meirovich, a master carpenter, whose father, my Zaida Chaim, had been the Shamas at the First Narayever for many years. He had been called to there to repair the threshold. He and Ben got into a ‘Jewish geography’ discussion and the connection was made. I was very saddened to learn about Ben’s passing. I remember him with a great, wry sense of humour and a sharp, inquisitive mind with exceptional organizational skills. He will truly be missed by all who knew him. May his memory be for a blessing.
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Frank and Elaine Goldstein
Lewis Levendel passed on the sad news about Ben. Ben was part of our Young Judea group in Ottawa in the 60's. We were all very good friends during that time. It's funny, but I was thinking of him a few weeks ago, and wondering if he was still in Toronto We are very sorry to hear of his passing.
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Magda Gondor
We just saw Ben's obituary on this website. We wish to express our deepest sympathy to Cynthia and Sara on the untimely passing of husband and father. Ben was one of those memorable individuals who will not be forgotten by those of us who knew and cared about, as long as we live. You have made an indelible mark on many lives and will always be one of those larger than life people Ben. Magda Gondor & Joseph A. Berkovits
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