Brian Jason Steck

BRIAN JASON STECK Passed away on November 6, 2009 at his home in Boca Raton with his family by his side after his heroic battle against Leukemia finally came to an end. Known for his unparalleled integrity, insatiable curiosity and generosity of spirit, Brian led a distinguished life and career as a pivotal leader in the Canadian financial, philanthropic and Jewish communities. He leaves behind his wife Donna Steck (McKinley), his beloved son, Stephen Steck and daughter-in-law Tammy Hesketh, his beloved son, Ethan Steck, and his loving mother, Lottie Steck. He is predeceased by his father, Eddie Steck, and his older sister, Sharon Steck. Brian Steck was born on December 26, 1946. A native to Montreal, Brian attended Sir George Williams University where he received his Bachelor of Commerce in 1968. He went on to the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business where he earned his MBA in Finance in 1970. Recognized as one of Bay Street's first Jewish executives, Brian became CEO of Nesbitt Thomson & Company Limited and all subsidiaries in 1987 and Chairman in 1990. He was then appointed Vice-Chairman of the Bank of Montreal in 1992. He remained Chairman and CEO after merging Nesbitt Thomson and Burns Fry until his retirement from both Nesbitt Burns and Bank of Montreal on December 31, 1999. Most recently, Brian was President of St. Andrews Financial Corp., as well as a board member and an advisor for numerous North American organizations including Purolator Courier, Harris Private Bank, Investment Technologies Group Inc., Dundee Precious Metals Inc. and the Canadian Medical Association Holding Company (CMAH). Brian's unique leadership skills, insights and attributes were particularly praised and recognized by his colleagues, peers and competitors resulting in his election as Chairman of the Investment Dealers Association of Canada, the Canadian Securities Institute and the Canadian District of the Securities Industry Association of America. Brian is also a past Governor of the Toronto Stock Exchange. Brian's business philosophy was well known to all who had the privilege of working alongside him: 'To succeed you do not require a brilliant strategy, just a good one. The requisite is brilliant execution.' Brian was a firm believer that the difference between mediocrity and success was performing the last five percent of the job with the same degree of intensity as the first five percent, a discipline that he carried over to his charitable and community activities over the years. Brian was truly honoured to serve as Chairman of the North York General Hospital, Chairman of the NYGH Foundation and President of the Canadian Society for the Weizmann Institute of Science. He maintained board positions with the Ontario Arts Council Foundation, the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, and the Canadian Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre. Regardless of the arena, Brian was the ultimate competitor, a former pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirate's Minor League Franchise and a man, who even in his sixties, could hit a golf ball three hundred yards. Brian would insist that all those who knew and loved him celebrate his life and accomplishments. Brian enjoyed the last years of his life at his home in Boca Raton, Florida. The funeral service will be held at Beth Israel Memorial Chapel, 11115 Jog Road (S.W. corner of Jog and Woolbright) in Boynton Beach on Sunday, November 8, 2009 at 11 a.m. We will be sitting Shiva following the services on Sunday and on Monday at 17100 Whitehaven Drive, in St. Andrews Country Club. A memorial service will be held at Temple Sinai in Toronto on Sunday, November 29th at 2 p.m. Brian will be missed by his loving family, devoted and loyal friends and many close business colleagues. If desired, donations can be made to Hospice by the Sea (Boca Raton) or Princess Margaret Hospital (Toronto). All donations are greatly appreciated by the Steck family.