Clarence "Cuppy" Katz

Peacefully at Carpenter Hospice, Burlington with his family by his side, Cuppy (Clarence) Katz passed on Monday January 23, 2023. Born in Hamilton, he was the loving son of Nutte and Gitel Katz who emigrated from Poland. Cuppy was the beloved husband of Elaine née Rachlin to whom he was married for 56 years. He was the loving father of David (Roberta Gibson) and Carolyn (Reuben Segelbaum) and the devoted grandfather of Rebecca a'h & Noah Katz, and Maxine Segelbaum. Cuppy was the dear brother of Bernie (Rhoda a'h) Katz and Helen Greenbaum, and brother-in-law of Ted a'h & Merle Rachlin. He will be greatly missed by his many nieces, nephews and the extended Katz family.

At the age of 16 he left school to work in the family business, Dominion Auto Wreckers, which was started by his father. He and his brother worked together for many years, with Cuppy buying the cars and Bernie selling them.

Cuppy and Elaine were introduced by mutual friends because of their shared passion for travel. From short excursions in the countryside to look at the coloured leaves to month-long cruises to South-East Asia, they explored the world together. They passed their love of travel on to their children who enjoyed many adventures through Canada, the United States, Israel and England.

Cuppy was a devoted friend. He enjoyed "kibbitzing" with people and it never took long for him to find a shared connection. If someone needed a hand, Cuppy would find a way to help - either directly or indirectly.

As a Katz family historian, he enjoyed sharing memories, traditions and stories from his parents and extended family. He relished telling the story of how the Greenspans of Poland came to be the Katzes in Canada.

Cuppy was a strong supporter of his local communities of Hamilton and Burlington. He was very active in B'nai Brith and was on the Sports Dinner Executive for over 40 years. He was Master of The St. John's Chapter of the Masonic Lodge in 1979. He was on the Board of Directors of Shalom Village, and served as co-chairman of the State of Israel Bonds for 2 years. For over 40 years, Cuppy served on the Jewish National Fund executive. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Hamilton and later Burlington, serving as both a director and committee chairman.

He was involved locally, nationally and internationally in the auto recycling industry and served as the first international president of the Automotive Dismantlers and Recyclers Association (now the Automotive Recyclers Association) in 1981.

Our sincere gratitude goes to nurse Bunmi Akintola for her compassionate care and to Dr. David Sansome, a friend and neighbour who guided and supported us through this journey. Cuppy's last few days were made easier by the friendly and caring staff and volunteers at Carpenter Hospice.

Cuppy will be greatly missed but will live on in the hearts and memories of his friends and family.

Service was held at the Adas Israel Synagogue on Thursday, January 26, 2023.

If you wish to honour Cuppy's memory with a donation, the family asks that donations be directed to the Jewish National Fund, Hamilton 905-527-5516 or Carpenter Hospice 905-631-9994