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Donald Everett Shebib
Donald Everett Shebib
Obituary
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Donald Shebib Obituary
Don was born January 27th, 1938 at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto to Moses (Morris) Shebib and Mary Alice Long.
He is a legend in the Canadian Film Industry.
Don is survived by his life partner Dorothea (Tedde) Mavor Moore, his son Noah James Shebib and his daughter Suzanna Rebecca Shebib (partner Nigel) and step daughters Zoe Eleanora Carter (husband John) and Chaunce Drury, Don's younger sister Mary Elizabeth Shebib McGill, and his nephews, Darcy, Cameron and Boyd McGill.
Don adored his grandchildren and he will be deeply missed by Brooklyn and Rakeem Turnbull, Ella and Wyatt Konopka and Khalil Shah.
There will be a Memorial on January 27th, 2024.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Aine Furey
February 25, 2024
Photo taken March 2022 at the Hot House in Toronto. A little dinner reunion for our Night Heat "family" . The evening was a delight. Don was in top form showering us with great stories and laughter. He will be missed and never forgotten. Sincere sympathy to all his family, relatives and friends.
Barbara Chernin
February 13, 2024
One of the best things my sister Cayle Chernin ever did was meet Don Shebib who offered her a part in his seminal film Goin' Down The Road. Cayle, was born in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia as was Don’s father with early childhood ties to Newfoundland which is where Don’s mother hailed from. They formed a bond at the outset not knowing that this connection would stay in their lives for a very long time.
My mother Beryl who passed away in December 2023- born in Cape Breton in 1923, remembered the same 'hangout places' kids went to growing up on the ‘Cape’ when Don mentioned them to her from his father’s days. Cape Breton stayed small -Don never forgot the sometimes unfortunate bleakness of the future for those who stayed there without prospects and never grew in their careers. He turned that into a cinematic tribute not just to the tragedy and hopelessness of their lives but also captured what I like to think of as the wonderful Cape Bretoner cockiness and sense of humour. Magic!
I read all these things about Don being a man's man having a gruffness or bluntness about him ... when I did see Don and Cayle together --when my sister was dwindling away, he was amazingly tender with her on the telephone and when he came to visit at hospital in her final weeks. This after doing the bookend film to her career "Down the Road Again" which I very much enjoyed. What a gift to give to an actress -- to have a film in the can on their way out! He must have felt more than a twinge of nostalgia doing it as he gathered up Jayne Eastwood, Doug McGrath and Cayle in his footballer arms for another journey down memory lane. I hope he enjoyed the ride.
Did see him a few times more after Cayle passed away in 2011 at the Cayle Awards. Don had a very definite strong physical presence about him... like he was always in charge but mingled with a calmness and what I thought was a beatific smile, softening the edges.
Not having his contact details, I actually tried to reach him in early Fall of 2023 through one of his son's business associates because I had a feeling I wanted to see him. Never heard back but got more involved in family matters and soon forgot. It was only in January of this year when I read a Toronto Star article about famous Canadians who had passed last year that I saw Don had indeed left the building in November.
I shall always remember Don as a someone who had heart, a tremendous grasp of his 'sense of self' who never ever gave up on being authentic. God bless.
Robin Leigh
December 5, 2023
Don
It has been a month now since we last parted.
I still can't believe that I will no longer hear your voice again.
For 53 years, we shared a true and loyal friendship.
You were like a cherished older brother to me, as well as a kind and loving, supportive friend; no one could ask for anything better. I was very lucky to have known you and been blessed with your friendship.
People think of you as a Director, which you most certainly were, but I also knew you to be a most brilliant Editor. You were not afraid to turn a scene upside down because you could see that it would work so much better. I observed how you could turn a weak performance into one of strength -- always with love and support for the performers, even if they disagreed with you, which many did!
You were a fiercely loyal Canadian who wanted Canada to have its own unique storytelling voice, and I honour you for that.
As the fabric of Canada is rapidly changing, I believe someday your voice will be heard as it should be. You are one for the history books my dear friend, and in time, Canada will come to realize the contribution you sacrificed so much for and your obstinate determination to stay true to your vision.
My thoughts turn to your family and how proud you were of them, how much you cherished them. May they find comfort in their memories and know that you valued them very much indeed.
One of the last things you said to me was, "You´ve been through this before," and all I can reply is that "it´s no easier."
"Saturday Afternoon At The Opera" will never be the same again.
Diana Rowland
December 3, 2023
Don had a great memory for trivia - in his own words: "But also i can still name the starting lineup of the 1927 Yankees or the 1959 U of Syracuse Orangemen"
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CHRISTOPHER SOUTHEY
November 25, 2023
Playing a game of golf with Don was always an enjoyable round. I remember one conversation after we had finished when I told him that his Morgan might not be the most expensive car in the car park but it was certainly the classiest - a word that describes him exactly.
Rest in peace
Chris Southey
Gary Reamey
November 17, 2023
I always loved playing a round of golf with Don. The older the clubs he played with, the better. He always walked and complained about his game, but he always beat me! Not bad considering I was 20 years younger than him! He introduced me to his films. I loved them. He was proud of his family and we'd talk about them when we played. When I released my first country album in 2021, I made sure he got a copy. I didn't have a chance to give him my newest album. He would have appreciated it...classic love songs, done country. I will miss you my friend. Cheers to a life well lived.
Gary @ SNGMusic.net
Ed Gamrot
November 17, 2023
I was probably 10 years old when I first saw Goin Down the Road and absolutely fell in love with the movie. Probably have seen it 20 times or more. I remember distinctly watching until the credits rolled to see that this guy called Don Shebib directed it. Shortly thereafter another film that fascinated me - Rip Off - came out and again this madman called Don Shebib was the director.
Some 40 years later I joined Credit Valley Golf Club and I was invited to join a group of guys to play. In one of the first games I played there was a guy in our foursome named Don Shebib. I thought that it couldnt be the same Don Shebib but as luck would have it was. Needless to say golf was secondary that day. I think that I spent the entire 4 hours talking to Don about the movie.
I will miss Don on the range the most. Both being left handers, he would inevitably saunter over to where I was and ask if he could hit one of my clubs. He would scoff at the latest technology and go back and hit his circa 1980 clubs - right down the middle.
A true character.
Rick Desrochers
November 17, 2023
Had many great laughs with Don over many years as members of the same private golf club. He and his fine sense of humour will be missed. Rest In Peace my friend.
Ed Gabis
November 11, 2023
Before UCLA there was the University of St. Micheal's College where I first encountered Don. I was part of the "American Wave" which the legendary Father O'Toole CSB recruited from High Schools ranging from New England to Maryland. We (women and men) came to St. Michaels to share in the St. Michaels experience at the U of T. My encounter with Don arose from being teammates on the "formidable" St. Mike's football team. Don threw a pass with the velocity of an artillery shell! He was an effervescent personality. We both graduated in 1960. I returned to Brooklyn-did my military service-began work and engineered a transfer to Toronto in 1968. In the late "70's-early '80's I reconnected with Don and I remember we hosted a dinner party where we all caught up. We didn't stay in touch but each time I pass St. Mike's I recall him and our Band of Brothers. With all those golf balls McKnight will no longer have any excuses. The Shebib family can be eternally proud of their Shining Star.
Scott Barnum
November 10, 2023
Always enjoyed golfing with Don. I liked his desire to improve despite advancing years. I will miss him!
DTW Vicky
November 10, 2023
Two remarkable directors!!!
DTW VICKY
November 10, 2023
Chuck Shamata
November 9, 2023
Deepest sympathies to Tedde, and every member of Don´s family. It was 51 years ago we started to shoot "Between Friends". A sometimes difficult shoot, but Don made a terrific film from our labours. He was truly a unique individual. I always admired the courage of his forthrightness, even when I didn´t agree with his conclusions. His accomplishments were many. He broke boundaries and created inspiring works of art to a generation of dreamers who believed they were creating a new and distinctive Canadian film industry. That the dream wasn´t fulfilled was certainly not Don´s fault. He did his best.
Goodbye Don, and thanks for the boost.
Chuck Shamata
Bryan Robinson
November 9, 2023
Don and his sister Mary lived down Galloway Rd. From our family in West Hill. Wonderful people. Mary taught me how to ride my bicycle.
Dorothy Dickson
November 9, 2023
So sorry to hear of Don´s passing. I have such fond memories of him. Always soft spoken, gentle and kind. I met him many years ago when he needed someone to type his scripts. Rest in peace, Don. I will always remember you as a remarkable man.
Rod Kearney
November 8, 2023
Goin´ Down The Road was my first memory of great Canadian filmmaking. It still remains a favourite movie and watch for it often. Down The Road Again did not disappoint 40 years later, and satisfied my yen for the continuation of the main characters plight. Mr Shebib, may you rest in peace, your family comfortable with warm thoughts and knowledge that you affected thousands if not millions of people. Thank you, sir
Gary Thoms
November 8, 2023
Don was a leader at most things he did , and he was the leader on this team.He will be very much missed .
Gary Thoms
November 8, 2023
November 8, 2023
Don, always said..it was no easy feat to make him..'bellow with laughter'..so..of course..I made it my prime objective to do..just that!!...It was an Honour to have known you..dear Friend..Helen Cooperstein.
Des Provider
November 8, 2023
So sorry to hear about his passing
He completed alot of lifetime goals that many strive to achieve during his time here.
May you rest in peace
Brian Gedge
November 8, 2023
I worked many a show with Don in the 80´s, Night Heat, Diamonds etc. he was a legend and pioneer even back then. He was always in a good mood , jovial, walking around with his golf club hitting balls between takes, calling out to me to put the 9.5 mm lens on the camera, high and wide he would shout out, you won´t see that on my (TV) set he would say as we moved in for close ups. Quite the character and I will miss him, the man who directed the iconic movie Going Down the Road that inspired and touched so many. You´re still going down that road Don, enjoy your trip. RIP and my condolences to your family.
Bob McKnight
November 8, 2023
Always a laugh on the golf course with Don. What will I do with all these Top Flight XL3000´s now? According to Don, the best ball ever made!! He was working on his swing Oct 24 when I took the pic below. A friend of mine came from Newfoundland to Toronto in the 70´s at 17 and was a fan of Goin down the road and saw himself in the story. He has a promotional poster of the film that Don gladly signed and made a personal video that I could send him. Rest in peace Don. You will be missed.
Piers Handling
November 7, 2023
Don was a huge force and presence. He left a legacy that touched so many people. I saw Goin´ Down the Road when I was a 21 year old who had just returned from 5 years in Germany. It reconnected me to Canada and gave me an indelible sense of "here". It was as genuine as he was. As were the rest of his films. I will miss him.
Allan Boone
November 7, 2023
Thanks Mr. Shebib for a Canadian classic Goin' Down the Road and taking the time to sign my DVD.
RIP
Art & Brooke Hindle
November 7, 2023
This man was my friend for 62 years...He will be missed by me and so many others...but he has left his mark.
For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.
Debbie (Hartson) Rowland
November 7, 2023
So sorry to hear of cousin Don's passing, my deepest condolences to cousin Mary and all of his family and friends. We were all so proud of his accomplishments, may you find comfort and support in the loving memories you have shared.
Theresa Hartson Collins
November 7, 2023
So sorry to hear about Donald´s passing. I lived with Aunt Alice for a while back in the 1969 but never had the chance to meet Donald. Sincere condolences to all the families.
Jean Desormeaux
November 7, 2023
Don was a smart opinionated character, a great film maker and a good fellow. He generously engaged with many Sheridan film students over the years and will be remembered fondly along with many notables like his friends Richard Leiterman and Alan King. Amazing pioneers in Canadian Film making. God speed Don.
Gavin Mitchell
November 7, 2023
One of the best. One of the good guys. There would be no industry without his pioneering work. Farewell friend.
Jim Hossack
November 7, 2023
It was an honour and a privledge to edit with Don on a few documentary projects.
Sugith Varughese
November 7, 2023
I´m very sorry to learn of Don´s passing. After studying his films in school, I was thrilled he cast me in my first one line TV series role in 1985. A number of years later I was part of a public workshop he conducted. I remember doing a scene from Tootsie for him using an Indian accent that brought the house down. So grateful I knew him. My condolences to his family.
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