BERNIE AARON

Bernie was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, to Hannah Lipetz and Harry Aaron. He leaves his best friend and brother, Lanny; his wife of 63 years, Joan; his son, David of NYC (Martha), and two granddaughters, Victoria and Julia; and daughter, Sandra. Throughout Bernie's active life, he was a leader, from his teenage years as a lifeguard at Winnipeg Beach. He was a career Insurance man, beginning with Global Life, opening Counsel Insurance on The Queensway, and then starting Coachmen Insurance Company - the first Ontario Insurance Company in many years. He was a Captain in The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada and started restoring old cars, first with "baby Thunderbirds," then moving to Classic cars. He and his wife, Joan, ran an assessment group home for The Jewish Family and Child Services in the early '70s, becoming the President of the Agency Board of Directors when they became a part of the Ontario Children's Aid Society. Lately, he participated in developing "Bernie's Backyard" at the agency's school. He walked every day of his life since his heart problems started in the '90s, and enjoyed his best and last group of walking guys who all became his very best buddies. His family and many friends will miss his "out-of-the-box," wise, and funny personality. We wish to thank the many wonderful PSWs from Care Partners who diligently looked after him. The Dorothy Ley Hospice palliative care team was excellent, and the knowledgeable Dr. Christie Kim from St. Joseph's Oncology Department, and Dr. Sean Skeldon, his GP, for his continuing counsel. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. in the Community section at Pardes Shalom Cemetery, 10953 Dufferin Street. Donations in Bernie's name will be gratefully accepted for the Jewish Family and Child Service of Greater Toronto (416-638-7800, www.jfandcs.com) and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (1-888-473-4636, www.heartandstroke.ca).