ELLY ALBOIM

July 7, 1947- February 8, 2026 Elly Alboim, age 78, passed away on Sunday. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Kathy; his three much adored children, Jennifer (Keith), Jesse (Mikhela), and Jaime (Andrea); his seven perfect grandchildren, Ellie, Meighan, George, Finn, Dulcie, Tess, and Benji; his sister, Naomi (David), her children, Sam (Rebecca) and Ariella (Brandon), and their children, Yosef, Bina, Ezra, Yael, Shalom and Asa. Up until the very end, he was more concerned for their comfort and wellbeing than for his own, and that exemplified who he was, and how he lived his life. They were his greatest source of joy. Elly was the child of Polish immigrants (his mother being a refugee of the Holocaust) and his formative years were spent among the tight knit Jewish community in Montreal. His parents, Helen and Sam, taught him resilience, a strong work ethic, and the importance of family. They were very proud of their son and his many accomplishments but were probably most proud of the family that he and Kathy created and nurtured together. He and Kathy met in the summer of 1966 at Pripstein's summer camp in the Laurentians. Their love story began by accident, as the other folks on their double date both chose to get into the front seat, and they were forced to sit in the back together. But it was clearly fate, and their 54-year partnership was Elly's North Star, and his raison d'etre. There was no one that he loved more, though he loved the rest of his family just as deeply. Elly never declined a phone call from his wife, children, sister or one of his grandchildren, regardless of whether he was meeting with the Prime Minister of Canada or in the middle of teaching a class. He would simply say, "can I call you back?" after checking that you were alright. He showed up in ways big and small, and his family never doubted his love for them. Elly was a family man through and through. Thoughtful and endlessly patient, he doted on his kids and grandkids, cementing his reputation early on as a baby whisperer. Elly was brilliant, with a sharp mind and cutting wit. He had a strong and unwavering moral compass. He was biting, and funny, and could seem gruff to those who didn't know him well. But to those who did, he showed his soft center and was a steadfast and loyal friend. He always showed up for those in his life and could be counted on for a witty (read "sarcastic") remark about whatever was going on in your life. He never forgot a tidbit of information that he could hold over your head, or use to embarrass you, as his children experienced many times over the years, much to their chagrin! He was equally generous with his praise and didn't let an opportunity to tell you he was proud of you go by. He always had an opinion that he was willing to share, and he was often asked to, as so many turned to him for advice or a word of wisdom. Elly earned degrees from McGill and Columbia universities. He spent his student years and his professional life being witness to some of our country's and the world's biggest moments, and if he had written a book about all that he had seen, he might not have been believed! His stories about his adventures at the McGill Daily, and on the mean streets of NYC were legendary, and were often shared around the campfire at the family cottage with close family and friends. The campfire was always accompanied by the singing of protest and union songs, with a special solo of The Impossible Dream reserved for Elly, who would take his cigar out of his mouth long enough to captivate his audience with his rich voice. In his almost 25 years as a Reporter and Bureau Chief for CBC News, he clung deeply to the belief that a healthy democracy depends on a free, fair and honest press, and he worked tirelessly to make sure that everything that came across or left his desk met the very highest ethical journalistic standards. And he taught that ethos to generations of students in his 45 years as a Professor at Carleton University's School of Journalism. As a Communications consultant at Earnscliffe Strategy Group, he spent the last 30 years of his life shaping public policy that strengthened Canada and helped Canadians. He loved politics, and his work with federal and provincial governments was in service of the Common Good. His work with Finance Minister and then Prime Minister Paul Martin was a highlight of his career and was just one of many spheres where he formed lifelong friendships. Elly leaves an enduring legacy and a remarkable array of accomplishments. His impact on everyone who knew and loved him cannot be overstated. His family is grateful for the messages and notes of love and encouragement from friends, colleagues, students, mentees, and loved ones that they have received since his passing. Each one shares the same theme: Elly was a great man, but more importantly, he was a GOOD man. And that is what he will be remembered for. There will be a private interment for his immediate family. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., with visitation taking place from 9 - 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 22, 2026, in the Atrium of Richcraft Hall at the Carleton University School of Journalism. Underground parking is available on site (visit: https://carleton.ca/campus/buildings/richcraft-hall/ for more information). Light luncheon and the sharing of stories to follow. All who knew him are welcome to come and celebrate a life well lived, and a man well loved. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a scholarship fund being established at the Carleton University School of Journalism in Elly's honour (https://futurefunder.carleton.ca/giving-fund/the-elly-alboim-memorial-fund/). Or, a donation in Elly's name to support the Cardiac Care Unit at the General campus of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation (https://ohfoundation.ca/in-memoriam), in thanks for the exceptionally kind and diligent care that he received in his final days. Elly will be missed desperately. May his memory be a blessing to those who knew him. Condolences/Tribute/Donations Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca 613-233-114