John GOLDBERG

JOHN GOLDBERG December 14, 1930 - April 18, 2023 Born John Stupakevich in Liege, Belgium, Johns journey of tragedy, bravery and perseverance began at an early age. Having lost his mother at childbirth, John and his father were thrust into a war movement as Germany occupied Belgium and the events of WW2 were upon them. John's father, a brave member of the Belgian underground, was forced to hide John with families whose penalty was death if he was discovered. Johns final refuge was with a parish of Belgian monks in the Ardenne forest. It was there that John witnessed firsthand the tragedy of war during the Battle of the Bulge and the victory of liberation as Western Allies led by the US 101st Airborne Division secured Belgium. John survived but lost his entire family to the war. In 1947 John along with many other orphaned children, embarked on a journey aboard the Aquitania to Canada. He was adopted by Wolf and Tilley Goldberg, a Jewish family who lived in Toronto. John immediately immersed himself into his new life. He learned English, attended Harbord Collegiate and Queens University where he graduated as a Chartered Accountant. After graduation, John married Marjorie and the two of them drove across the country and settled in Edmonton where they established their roots in a welcoming community. Raising three children, started his own accounting firm and always found time to volunteer in various ways to numerous Jewish and community organizations. As a member of both the Ontario and Alberta Institute of Chartered Accountants, John used his accounting skills to propel him to excel in many other entrepreneurial endeavours. He was founder of United Leasing, Chairman and founder of the Canadian Home Shopping Network, Co-founding member of the Canadian Western Bank and formed Princeton Equity Corporation where he served as President, developing real estate projects and investments which spanned over 50 years. Along the way, John made it his mission to give back to the country that embraced him as a young boy. A great deal of his philanthropy was to the United Way of Canada where he served as President from 1977 to 1979. During those years, he traveled the country and internationally participating in task force reforms and fund raising initiatives. For his years of excellence and service, John was presented with the H.M. Queen Elizabeth Silver Jubilee Medal, the Volunteerism Award from the United Way of Canada, and the Province of Alberta Achievement Award. Although he never really retired, John enjoyed traveling, reading a great book, playing golf, spending his winters in California, collecting art and driving around with the top down in his Mercedes cranking Pavarotti as he sang along. A consummate fashionisto deluxe, he loved to shop and always looked sharp. His life exemplified fairness, kindness, and strength. John passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the people and things that mattered to him. He was a beautiful human being. We will miss him.