Samuel KLAPMAN

1933 - 2023

SAMUEL KLAPMAN Passed away peacefully, with his family at his side on Friday, August 25, 2023. Beloved husband, father and grandfather. Survived by his loving wife, Arlene; children, Jordan (Betsy), Seth and Lisa (Charlie); and grandchildren, Amaya, Sarah, Adam, Ella and Emily. Born in 1933 in Winnipeg to Harry Klapman and Sonia Sirulnikoff; and younger brother of the late Norman (Toby). Sam grew up in the city's North End Jewish community and remained close with his Winnipeg friends and family. Sam had the great good fortune to marry very young and very well. After graduating with a degree in architecture from the University of Manitoba, he and Arlene embarked on a series of postings across the country for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Their growing family was lucky to make lifelong friends along the way. In 1969, Sam was appointed Deputy Planning Commissioner for the City of Kitchener. Over the next 25 years, ultimately as Planning Commissioner, he guided the development of Ontario's fourth-largest city and mentored a generation of young planners. During this time, his love of history inspired him to join several archaeological digs in Israel, Egypt and Jordan. Sam returned to Israel often to take part in Sar-El (the National Project for Volunteers). After his retirement in 1994, Sam and Arlene moved to Toronto to enjoy time with their children and grandchildren. They were also able to indulge in their shared love of travel, with trips around the world and winters in California. Sam's favourite place in the world was at his dining table surrounded by family and friends. He was a lover of good food, Scotch, strong red wine, and stronger hot sauce. He was a generous host and wonderful company. He was the life of the party, celebrating his 90th birthday this past January. Sam was also a talented, lifelong artist. He was a passionate fan of opera and classical music, who loved to sing and play the ukulele. Sam and Arlene moved to The Dunfield Retirement Residence in the fall of 2020. They were warmly welcomed by the community there and made many wonderful friends. Nothing brought Sam more joy than piano concerts performed at the Dunfield by his son, Jordan. A highlight was a concert performed there by multiple family members in September 2022 in honour of Sam and Arlene's 67th wedding anniversary. Funeral service will be held at graveside on Monday, August 28th at 11:00 a.m. in the Temple Emanu-El section of the Pardes Shalom Cemetery in Vaughan, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mazon Canada (www.mazoncanada.ca) or Sunnybrook Hospital (donate.sunnybrook.ca/tribute). Service information is available on the Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel website.