John Syrtash

John Tibor Syrtash

Beloved partner of Orly Katz. Loving father and father-in-law of Joshua Syrtash, Elana and David Ochs and Jeremy and Megan Syrtash. Dear brother and brother in law to Peter and Marilyn Syrtash. Devoted grandfather of Ella, Evan, Emily, Coby and Jonah.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of John Syrtash on Sunday August 1, 2021 at the age of 68. He was a child of holocaust survivors.

John was a prestigious family law lawyer and distinguished author. John’s dedication and hard work led to the “Get” legislation, amendments to Canada’s Divorce Act and Ontario’s Family Law Act, designed to help spouses obtain religious divorce.

John was an intellectual, ever the optimist, full of love and life, generous, religious and always went out of his way to help others. He enjoyed culture, classical music, travel, the arts, history and politics. He was an accomplished self-taught pianist. His greatest love was for his family whom he cherished more than anything.

He will be sorely missed and his legacy will live on. May his memory be a blessing.

Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association 416-363-3373 or to the Canadian Society for Yad Vashem 1-888-494-7999.

Orly and Peter will be sitting Shiva at 313 York Hill Blvd. Friends and family are welcome outside in the backyard. Shiva visitors are welcome daily from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Morning services will be held daily at the B.A.Y.T. and evening services will be held at the home daily at 6:55 p.m.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, John’s children will continue to sit Shiva privately.  They can be reached at:

Elana- 917-750-7679