Bill Davidovitz passed away at age 77 following a long journey with Alzheimer’s and a shorter but rapid cancer experience. He was beloved and respected by anyone who had the privilege of meeting him — for his emotionally-intelligent wit, ability to connect with people, open mind, and profound decency. He was a mentch through and through.

Born in Hamilton on December 7, 1945 to Lillian (nee Stein) and Ben Davidovitz, beloved younger brother to the late Joan Rivelis-Becker and loving uncle to Barry and David Rivelis.

He was the absolute best, most loving and dedicated father to his daughter Leore (Davids), raising her in beautiful partnership with his former wife Sharone Bar-David.

Bill was a gifted family therapist, a profession he took on after completing his Masters of Social Work studies. He thrived when working with the most challenging cases, always optimistic, thoughtful, and highly effective. Prior to that he worked as a childcare worker and amateur carpenter while being part of Therafields, a bustling 70’s personal-growth community in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood.

Bill’s father Ben was a teacher of French, German and instrumental music at Hamilton’s Central Collegiate High School and was the school’s choirmaster; he was a legend in his time in the teaching world in Hamilton. His sister Joan, a high school teacher and school principal in Windsor, Ont was a gifted pianist. Music ran deep in Bill’s veins too — he was curious and open to music of all genres, and with his deep melodic voice he would intuitively harmonize to any tune, with gusto. Synagogue tunes were a big favourite.

Bill loved the great outdoors and was especially fond of canoeing and camping. His annual canoe trips with his buddies were a cherished ritual, and his trip to the Nahanni River following his separation from first wife Beth Ann Cole was fodder for many a riveting story. At the off-the-grid cottage he shared with Sharone and Leore, he always brought the fun and theatrics as he hacked a hole in the frozen lake to bring pails of running water indoors.

Bill was an avid baseball fan and an enthusiastic Rotisserie Baseball player. He was a nimble shortstop who viewed the games’s intricacies as a rich metaphor for life’s mysteries and challenges.

The family is deeply grateful to his dedicated caregiver and angel Monica Garcia Qureshi and sincerely thanks the staff at Cummer Lodge for their tender care, compassion and exceptional partnership in Bill’s 6+ year journey in the home.

His memory will forever be a blessing.

Donations can be made to the First Narayever Congregation’s Membership Subsidy Fund.