Maxwell Smolkin

SMOLKIN, Maxwell Joseph (M.J. Smolkin) Died peacefully in Florida at age 102 on February 13, 2010. Born in Ottawa in 1908, he was the oldest son and last surviving child of John and Anna Smolkin, and brother of Bob (Calgary), Ben (Smiths Falls), Dr. Samuel (Ottawa), Moe (Almonte) Rose Levitan (Ottawa), Etta Bart (N.Y. City) and Sally Bellan (Toronto). His beloved wife and alter-ego Pearl (Wiseman) passed away in 2004. In the Ottawa Valley and particularly Arnprior, Max was a prominent business man, sportsman and community leader. He was a wizard at checkers, chess and duplicate bridge. He valued his affiliation with the Ottawa Jewish Community, priding himself as being one of the oldest regular participants of the Agudath Israel Congregation and a regular volunteer at Hillel Lodge right up to the time of his death. He is noted for his resilience, sense of humour, interest in life and deep involvement with family. Mourning his death and celebrating his life are his 3 children Rosalie Kane (Robert, Minneapolis), Bob (Sheila, Toronto) and David (Tova, Ottawa). He leaves behind 9 grandchildren, Miranda Kane, Ingrid Johnson, Kate Kane, Joel, Steven, Ilana, Shiri, Anna and Elinor Smolkin and 8 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews and cousins among the Smolkins, Levitans, Ains, Bellans, Ginsburgs and other families. Also surviving him is his dear friend and companion Estelle Sacks (Montreal). The family are grateful to Tony Fan and Marcia Crosebourne who were friends as well as helpers and allowed him to live independently in both Ottawa and Hollywood, FL in the last 6 years of his life. A Funeral Service will be held at the Jewish Memorial Chapel, 1771 Cuba Avenue, Wednesday February 17, 2010 at 11 a.m. Interment following Jewish Memorial Gardens, 2692 Bank Street, Ottawa. Shiva will be observed at David and Tova Smolkin's residence, 13 Ivylea Street, Nepean, please consult www.mcgarryfamily.ca/notices_tributes.cfm for visitation and evening services times. Contributions in memory of Max may be made to the Pearl and Max Smolkin Family Fund of the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation, The Ottawa Jewish Historical Society or the charity of your choice.