Eugene LEHMAN Obituary
January 26, 1913 - December 15, 2011
Eugene died peacefully at home in the pre dawn hours of Thursday, December 15 with his wife Shirley at his side fulfilling his wish and her promise. Eugene, born in New York City, Canadian by choice, graduated from Yale University in 1933 with a Bachelor's degree. He completed a Master of Arts degree from Columbia University Teachers College in 1937. During WWII, the United States Army Air Force sent him to the University of Chicago where he studied Meteorology and became a military weather forecaster. He achieved a Ph.D. in Statistics from the North Carolina State University in Raleigh in 1961. Eugene spent his life and career as a professor, teacher, and life-long educator and learner. He was a world-class, medal-winning, Master's swimmer and amateur pianist. He was a passionate Chess player and instructor. He is survived by his wife, four grown children, and five grandchildren. Eugene donated his body to the McGill Medical School's Anatomy Department. A memorial service is being planned.
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42 Entries
Rob Tiltin
October 5, 2019
Eugene was an incredible human being. As I sit here in a cigar bar with friends, we were discussing live and people that left an impression on us. Eugene was that person for me. Someone who taught me calculus in 1986 at Dawson College and had already lived a full life, yet inspiring youth with all his colorful stories. Loved him as a professor and a friend. I see his obituary online today, although many years after, he and his personna will remain with me forever.
Rob Tiltin
Jeremiah Boyd
November 29, 2018
Best friend anyone could ever ask for he was smart til the very end
Tariq Khan
December 16, 2012
When I was 11 he mentored me to write a screenplay of 200 pages. He was learning chinese then and was 85 years old. He started playing piano around 75 and was a virtusic musician at the time that I met him. He was good friends with my late father and they worked together for years. He was vibrant and so interesting, and I just found out of his passing on december15th 2012, exactly one year after his death. RIP Eugene. You inspired me to push my hardest every day since I met you.
Sincerely Tariq Khan
Rob Sekhon
February 21, 2012
I also learned of Eugene's passing yesterday when I went swimming at the Pointe-Claire pool. I did not know him personally nor did I know his name until yesterday, but I remember my grand-father talking to him several times when we used to live in Pointe-Claire. I remember him being a kind man. God bless him and may he rest in peace. My condolences to the whole family.
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January 11, 2012
Dear Shirley and family,
We have so many fond memories of cousin Gene (lovingly called "Bubsy" by all of us). I'll never forget him checking my very embarrassed teenage brother's muscles during a visit at your home some time in the mid-1970's. Please let us know when the memorial service will take place; we would love to attend if at all possible. There will never be another person like him and we will always hold him in our memories, love, Madeleine Levin, Vicki's daughter, Adele's granddaughter
Andrew Levin
January 10, 2012
I was so sorry to hear about "Bubsy's" passing at a recent 100th birthday party for his cousin, Eleanor Sloman. Shirley, if you see this please contact me with information if there is a memorial service. Love, Andy Levin, [email protected]
Rina Elson Weisman
January 7, 2012
I met him in the Bay Area in the 90's, in the company of his son. I was always amazed at his energy and interest in learning all he could. RIP, our sincere condolences to the family.
January 3, 2012
Eugene Lehman was a truly amazing man. He seemed ageless and never ran out of energy and enthusiasm. At the age of 75, he was acting in a play at the amateur theatre, and organizing lectures to be given by gifted children. I attended a lecture given by a seven-year-old boy called Jonathan who talked about calculus problems with effortless ease. Eugene was also passionately interested in gifted child musicians. His own interests were always growing. He started to learn Japanese very late in life, and enjoyed it so much, he went on to learn Chinese! I send my sympathy to his wife Shirley and their family.
Ann Bayley, who retired from Dawson College library a year ago.
Betsy Starr
January 1, 2012
I only learned of Eugene's passing last night, reading a letter to the editor in the Gazette. Eugene was a headliner in so many respects. He was proof that life is an adventure. I admired him without even knowing many of his achievements. Sincere sympathy to Shirley and the extended family.
December 25, 2011
I only met Eugene in his latter years as a fellow master swimmer.
We always joked about the many languages we spoke. He was an absolute inspiration to all of us. Please receive my condolences. Sincerely Nina G.
Vishal Shah
December 22, 2011
My condolences to Eugene's entire family. Reading this obituary brings back some great memories, I spent an hour with him every week back when I was in Grade 5/6, when he came to my school to teach a small group of students advanced math. He was around 75 then and all the 'old' people I knew back then were boring, lacked energy and a zest for life. He was so different and an inspiration! So full of life and excitement and curiosity even at that age, he showed me that you can always enjoy life, learn new things and connect with people, at any age. I'll always remember you, Eugene.
Laine Frajberg
December 22, 2011
I knew Eugene as a colleague in the math dept. at Dawson College.
He was a gifted teacher-especially with young kids-and an all-around knowledgable person.He had a fine understanding of math. and I enjoyed working with him in problem solving sessions.
My condolences to his family.
Leah Auclair
December 22, 2011
My thoughts and prayers to Shirley and the family. We miss Eugene at Edinburgh School. Sincere condolences.
Korbinian Grabmeier
December 22, 2011
I was very lucky to get to know Eugene when I was a boy a couple of years ago and I am thankful for our long German-Canadian email correspondence.
With gratefulness I remember him as an inspiring and caring man!
My condolences to Shirley, Deborah and family.
Ken Chevrier
December 22, 2011
I met Eugene (we all called him, Eugene) while teaching in the Gifted Education Program at McGill, as well as at various Suzuki Music Camps. As a teacher, I found him to be such an inspiration, as his love of teaching, his interest in young people, and his enthusiasm never wavered. Thank you, Eugene, for having let so many of us benefit from your life. Sincerest condolences to your family.
Brittany
December 22, 2011
My condolences to Shirley and the rest of the family of friends of Eugene. We mill miss seeing him around the pool.
Nick Ranellucci
December 22, 2011
I was very sad to hear about the passing of our great friend Eugene. He would often make me laugh with his wonderful stories and insights during my early morning work-outs at the Aquatic Centre weight room. My condelences to Shirley and the entire family.
December 22, 2011
Mr Lehman came to our university in southern Germany a couple of years ago to visit his daughter, my colleague. He entertained the students in the English class with some brilliant stories mirroring world events of the the 20th century. He was a real character indeed. Maria Schoenauer, Deggendorf
Gary & Ginny Malcolm & family
December 21, 2011
Eugene has been an inspiration to all of us who have worked, swum, dived at and frequented the Pointe-Claire pool. That we should all be so lucky to live as active a life as he did for so long. Sincere condolences to Shirley and family.
Bernard Lapierre
December 21, 2011
I met Eugene as a younster myself. The man was a Legend. I was lucky enough to win a very tight race with an Olympian and World Record Holder, Victor Davis in 1986...and Eugene was a timer in my lane. As I touched the wall, to the astonishment of all, having caught Victor from behind, Eugene was leaning far over the starting block in my lane with an outreached hand screaming "you beat Victor Davis, you beat Victor Davis". I was lucky enough to coach Masters in the 90's and early 00's and Eugene was always around, an inspiration to ALL. May he rest in Peace. My sincere condolescences to his wife and Family. Bernard Lapierre
Robert Pearson
December 21, 2011
I knew Eugene when I swam at PCSC in the 80s and 90s, and met him again years later in a creative writing group at Pointe-Claire library. I've never met anyone as energetic and keen to continue learning as Eugene. I can only hope to live this way and for as long.
Lauren Gilbert
December 21, 2011
I worked with Eugene at the Explorations science camp for a few summers. He was an extremely kind man, and a real character. I was in complete awe that a man of his age was swimming several times a week and teaching advanced math to kids. Wow - a true inspiration!
Lynn Marshall
December 21, 2011
I always enjoyed chatting with Eugene at swim meets and was sad when he was no longer allowed to compete due to his heart. What a wonderful man!
Janis Warne
December 21, 2011
I concur with many of the others who have written--Mr. Lehman was an inspiration--I first met him at a swim meet several years ago--I have admired him ever since. May he rest in peace. What a wonderful human being.
December 21, 2011
It was a pleasure to have met Eugene.
It was an honor to be counted as an EMSB volunteer with him.He will be missed.
Allan Romano
December 21, 2011
I'm proud to have known Eugene. I can only hope to age with as much grace and clarity of mind as he did.
Jason Isbister
December 21, 2011
To the Lehman family,
I swam for Pointe-Claire in the late '80's as a 15 yr-old boy. I clearly remember Mr Lehman always being around the pool. He was a true ray of sunlight! Always smiling. Always asking us how our training was going. I'm saddened that the Pointe-Claire community has lost such a special person, but at the same time comforted by the fact that he touched so many people throughout his life, therefore a little bit of him will live on for always.
RIP Eugene...
Emily Moreau
December 21, 2011
When I was 4 years old and in pre-kindergarten, Eugene was my mentor at Woodland School in Verdun. We would spend time together reading and playing games. He taught me to play chess (of course!) and even a few words in Japanese. Even though I was very young at the time, I've always kept fond memories of the time we spent together. My condolences to his family and many friends.
Bertha Dawang
December 21, 2011
Eugene taught math to students at the Explorations Camp for over 20 years. Hundreds of enthusiastic math students were inspired by his love of the subject. The staff of professionals was also inspired by his breadth of knowledge and his love of learning and exploring new subjects. We all tried to emulate his example. Whichever questions we asked, Eugene knew the answer. He has left his imprint on thousands of students, parents, and teachers. He will be sorely missed.
Melanie
December 21, 2011
What an inspirational man. I have many fond memories of Eugene- he was truly passionate about his community, his neighbors and the world around him. I know he will be missed by many- and hopefully we can continue living in his spirit of good will.
December 21, 2011
Dear Shirley,
My thoughts prayers and good wishes are with you. Love Gabriele
Sarah Leonard
December 21, 2011
As a young swimmer growing up on the West Island and swimming with the Pointe Claire Swim Club in the early and mid eighties, I remember Eugene as a man with a passion for swimming, and a zest for life. He would always encourage us, both in and out of the pool. he was a bright spark. Condolences to his family. I know he will be greatly missed.
Darryl Climan
December 21, 2011
Eugene volenteered at my elementary school (Beechwood) teaching chess in the late 80's. I didn't get the chance to work with him then but I was always jealous of the students who did. Eugene's kind and friendly manner was contageous. Everyone wanted to work with Eugene. My condolences to his family.
Kathleen Walshe-Turcotte
December 21, 2011
It was a pleasure to know Eugene. He was a wonderful part of the teaching team at Explorations Summer Camp.
My sincere condolences to his family.
Daniel Manny
December 20, 2011
Un homme étonnant, qui prenait le temps d'aller inscrire quotidiennement des notes historiques sur les tableaux à la piscine, qui a continué à encourager la quête du savoir par les jeunes et à prêcher par l'exemple que la santé du corps et de l'esprit sont indissociables.
Steve Lakatos
December 20, 2011
Eugene's brilliant mind was uncanny. Once he met you he never forgot you and always had the time to say hello. He met my son Brent, only once, at a chess tournament and everytime he saw me he always asked about Brent....Eugene will be missed. Condolences to his family.
RUDKO VICTOR
December 20, 2011
my sincerest sympathies to the family of an amazing man, I would see him often at pointe-claire pool where my daughter's swam. He would inspire them daily with his this day in history remark and quick lesson. His lust for life and swimming inspired the youth of today. Many west island kids are blessed by his lessons, may he rest in peace.
Nancy Nelson
December 20, 2011
Eugene was a Math mentor to my son Bryan at Westmount High about 15 years ago. A couple of years ago I was officiating at a Master's meet, and watched one of Eugene's last 1500's. I loved the way he popped up like a cork after each turn, and just kept going like the energizer bunny. RIP Eugene, and my sympathy to his family.
steve herscovitch
December 20, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bill Smith
December 20, 2011
An inspiration to us all.
December 20, 2011
Rest in peace. Loved timing you at the swim meets. Loved the historical fact of the day you shared with my daughters during their morning practices and love your lust for life. Always remembered by thousands of pool rats and their parents.
France David
Robyn Ouimet
December 20, 2011
Like many in the Masters swimming community, I had the good fortune to meet Eugene at a competition (I was a coach of the upstart team trying to take the provincial title away from his Pointe Claire Masters, but he certainly didn't treat us like the enemy!) From that first conversation and during others that would follow, I was touched by his kindness, his passion for swimming and teaching and his zest for life.
I hope that the knowledge that many aquaphiles will remember Eugene with great affection, and as a source of inspiration, will bring some comfort to the family at this time.
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