Thomas James WEISZ

It is with profound sadness that our family announces the passing of Thomas James Weisz, peacefully and with dignity, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family on July 7, 2024. Tom will be deeply missed by Sasha, his cherished and supporting wife of 55 years; and his devoted children, Eric and Leah, Danna and David; and his caring sister, Janet (Gerald). He was the adoring Papa to his grandchildren, Sari, Mitchell, Jamie, Sienna and Jonah. Tom was predeceased by his loving parents, Holocaust survivors, Arthur and Margaret Weisz, who always believed in giving back to their community. Tom continued these important traditions by donating to and volunteering in many worthy causes throughout Hamilton, Canada and Israel. Born in Moson, Hungary, in 1946, he survived an escape from post-war Europe with his brave parents when he was only 2 ½ years old. They travelled at night through the forest from Hungary, eventually making it safely across the Austrian border to a "Displaced Persons" camp, where they waited for two years until his family was granted an entry visa to Canada. In March 1951, their ship arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax and their journey ended in Hamilton, which became their lifelong home. Tom attended Westdale High School, where he met and then married the love of his life, Sasha. They built a life together dedicated to family, friends and community. He was a Graduate of McMaster University in Economics and Business, Osgoode Hall Law School, where he stood first in his final year, and Harvard University, specializing in tax and estate planning. In 1978, along with his father, Arthur, Tom co-founded The Effort Trust Company. With banking offices in Hamilton and Toronto, and real estate brokerage, development and asset management mandates throughout Ontario, Effort Trust is a fully integrated property and financial services company, privately owned and proudly managed by the family. Tom served as Effort Trust's President & CEO from 1978 - 2023 and the Executive Chairman from 2023 - 2024. Tom also took great pride in the founding of the law firm Weisz, Rocchi & Scholes, where he has served as its Managing Partner since inception in 1979. He has had a remarkable track record of excellence in both the corporate world and the legal profession. Tom has served as a director and member of numerous boards of public institutions and charities and has been generous in lending his expertise for the benefit of his community. He was the Chairman of the Hamilton Future Fund and has served on the Board of Governors for McMaster University and was an Honourary Governor there as well. He also served as a Director of the Bank and Trust Companies Association. Tom served on the Board of Directors of St. Joseph's Hospital, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and was a Governor of the Art Gallery of Hamilton. He also served as a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada and the Canadian Bar Association. He received a number of significant appointments, including the prestigious Rotary Club of Hamilton Paul Harris Fellowship Award and the Sopinka/United Way John F. Evans Award of Community Distinction. He was also inducted into the Hamilton Gallery of Distinction. Among his many volunteer roles, he served on the Board of Directors for the Jewish National Fund, the Canadian Council for Israel and Jewish Advocacy and the State of Israel Bonds. He also was a JNF Negev Dinner Honouree, along with Sasha. Tom will forever be remembered for his unwavering support of Israel and the Jewish community, along with his countless acts of philanthropy. His contributions have left an indelible mark on numerous charities and institutions, including Margaret's Legacy, the Hamilton Jewish Federation, The Jewish National Fund, The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies, Hamilton Hebrew Academy, Larger than Life, Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation, St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation, Art Gallery of Hamilton, United Way, Liberty for Youth and Theater Aquarius. Known by those to whom he was close as "Tommy" and "Tamas," Thomas Weisz was a remarkable man whose generosity of spirit, love of family and friends, dedication to others and contribution of time to worthy causes will be remembered by all who knew him, worked with him and benefitted from his kindness. The family is particularly grateful for the exceptional care given by Dr. Juergens and the compassionate staff at the Juravinski Cancer Centre, along with Tom's other wonderful doctors and home caregivers. Funeral services will be held at Temple Anshe Sholom, 215 Cline Avenue North, Hamilton, on Tuesday, July 9th at 11 a.m. The family has requested that condolences be expressed by a donation made to Margaret's Legacy, Temple Anshe Sholom or Shalom Village.