Simon Reisman

Sol Simon Reisman O.C., LL.D. Died in his sleep March 9, 2008 in his 89th year. Beloved husband for 65 years of Constance Carin. Dear father of John Joseph (Brenda Runge), Anna Lisa (Peter Kalman), Harriet Frances (Douglas Barrett) and daughter-in-law Gale Blank. Much loved grandfather of Will, Jane, and Molly Reisman; Edie- Jane and Stephen Kalman; Trish, Julia, Aaron and Kate Barrett. Pre-deceased by brother Mark Reisman (Rose); he is survived by his sisters Gertrude Shapiro and Helen Lutterman (Ernest) and their families. Born in Montreal June 19, 1919 to Kolman and Manya Reisman. Attended Baron Byng High School, McGill University (BA, MA). Served overseas as Regimental Officer in WW II RCA, 11th, 15th and 17th Field Artillery (Troop Commander) in Italy and Holland 1942-1946. Attended the London School of Economics 1945-46. Joined the Department of Finance 1946, Director of International Economic Relations Division; Canadian Delegation to Geneva Trade and Tariff Conference 1947; World Conference on Trade and Employment, Havana, 1947-1948; Economics and Social Council, UN, Geneva, 1952, New York, 1953; first and following sessions of GATT 1947-1954; Assistant Director of Research, Royal Commission on Canada's Economic Prospects 1955-1957; Assistant Deputy Minister, Department of Finance 1961-1964; Deputy Minister of Industry 1964-1968 during which time was chief architect of the Canada-US Auto Pact; Secretary of the Treasury Board 1968-1970; Deputy Minister of Finance 1970-1975; received Outstanding Public Service Award, Canada, 1974; Chief Royal Commissioner to investigate Canadian Auto Industry 1978; Chief Negotiator for Canada Aboriginal Land Claims for the Western Arctic, 1983; Ambassador (Trade) and Chief Negotiator Canada-US Free Trade Agreement 1985-1988. Honorary Doctorate, Carleton University, 1998; Honoured by the naming of the Simon Reisman Chair on Trade Policy, Carleton University, 2000. Avid salmon fisherman; was able to fish white water until July 2007; embraced reading and life-long learning; continuous observer and commentator of world current events; active participant in the Rideau Club Roundtable; always interested in people and their lives, and an unending curiosity about what made them tick; social and extroverted, a dry sense of humour right up to the time of his final CT scan; mentally sharp to the very end; unlike his reputation of being tough and hard-boiled, he was always ready to lend a hand; a most loving, inspirational, devoted, supportive, generous and loyal father and grandfather. Special thanks to Dr. Terrence Ruddy, Dr. David Berney, Dr. Phil Joseph, and the caring and supportive nurses of the Ottawa Heart Institute. Always larger than life, no words can describe how much he will be missed by his family including M'Guy. Funeral Service will be held at Temple Israel, 1301 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa on Wednesday March 12th, 2008 at 2 p.m. Shiva will be held at 146 Roger Road, Ottawa, on Wednesday and Thursday from 4-8 p.m. and Friday from 2-5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice. Condoleances/Donations/Tributes at: mcgarryfamily.ca 613-233-1143