DONALD ALLEN WEITZ

WEITZ, DONALD ALLEN Father/Grandfather/Rabble Rouser/Social Justice Activist/ Beethoven Lover/Chinese Food Enthusiast Born in Cleveland, OH, on December 10, 1930 and died on September 1, 2021, in Toronto, ON. We are deeply saddened to announce the devastating news of the passing of Don Weitz, whose fight with lung cancer ended peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family. We are also stunned and shocked. It just doesn't seem possible that his shining light and unstoppable energy are no longer with us. Since his diagnosis in February this year, we thought the doctors must surely be wrong. After all, Don was, first and foremost, a fighter with an indomitable spirit when faced with any challenge: political, medical or otherwise. A heart attack, a stroke, major eye surgery, and the myriad health issues that come with reaching 90 were no match for Don's fierce will to make each day better than the one before. He was still going strong, still a steadfast presence (pre-COVID) at events, marches, tribunals, still giving interviews and attending local (Toronto) calls to action on homelessness/affordable housing, still writing books (Resistance Matters was published just a couple years ago), and of course, still prolifically writing letters to politicians, newspaper editors, and corporations. As a leader in the anti-psychiatry and disability rights movements, he was also a ferocious defender of Indigenous and women's rights, a very active member of the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty (OCAP), the seniors' advocacy movement and the migrant justice organization No One Is Illegal, and an ally of the Black Lives Matters movement. He never missed an opportunity to tell his family how much he loved them. He was always interested in their lives and supportive of their goals and dreams. He shared many wonderful times with them, often involving Chinese food (and Beethoven), trips to High Park, camping, and attending marches and other political events. His grandchildren were his "number ones" and he took immense pride and satisfaction in them. He was particularly proud of his granddaughter Rachel's legal aspirations and lived to see her start Osgoode Hall Law School just days before his passing. He got "naches" from his teenage grandson David's leadership activities, particularly in the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization and as a camp counsellor. He also marvelled at David's stature, declaring him the tallest Weitz that ever lived. We are comforted to know he is now with his firstborn son, David, whose death at 9 was the crushing blow of Don's life; with his great friend Alf Jackson, who was like a big brother to him; and with friend and fellow activist Mel Starkman and soul-sisters Carla McKague and Bonnie Burstow. If there is even one iota of injustice to be found on the other side, he's undoubtedly with his kindred spirits, kicking some butt. An admirer of the late John Lewis, Don may still be getting into "good trouble." After all, like Lewis, he felt that justice and freedom are verbs, and that the work continues. We plan to honour his life and celebrate his incredible legacy at a community gathering (in-person and/or virtual) on his birthday, December 10th which fittingly, happens to be the United Nations Human Rights Day. Please visit www.forevermissed.com/don-weitz for gathering details and Don's expanded life story. Don will be deeply and forever missed by his son Mark, daughter Lisa, her partner Raymond, Sue, Rachel, David, and his wide circle of friends and activists. We wish to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible care he received from Mount Sinai's home palliative team (led by Dr. Melissa Melnitzer), St. Elizabeth's home nursing and personal support staff, and the years of community care from the Vibrant Healthcare Alliance.