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Victor GOLDBLOOM
Victor GOLDBLOOM
Obituary
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Victor GOLDBLOOM Obituary
C.C., O.Q., M.D., LL.D.
Passed away in Montreal, on Monday, February 15, 2016, of a heart attack. He was ninety-two years old and was active and in good health until the time of his death. Victor was born in Montreal on July 31, 1923. He was the son of Dr. Alton Goldbloom and Annie Ballon. He studied medicine at McGill University and followed in his renowned father's footsteps as a pediatrician.
He entered provincial politics in 1966 as the MNA for the newly created riding of D'Arcy-McGee. When Robert Bourassa's Liberals took power in 1970, he was named Quebec's first Minister of the Environment and was responsible for the Province's first environmental protection act. He was the first member of the Jewish community to serve in the Quebec cabinet. He also served as Minister of Municipal Affairs and became responsible for the completion of the facilities for the 1976 Olympics when the Quebec government took over responsibility for the Games from the City of Montreal. He resigned from the National Assembly in 1979 to become President of the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews. He dedicated himself to inter-religious understanding both in Canada and internationally. In honour of his work, he was made a Knight of the Order of St. Sylvester by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. From 1987-1990, he was the president of Quebec's Bureau d'audiences publiques sur l'environnement. Victor served as Canada's Commissioner of Official Languages from 1991 to 1999. He was appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada, an Officer of l'Ordre national du Québec and received honorary degrees from McGill, Concordia, the University of Toronto, the University of Ottawa and l'Université Sainte Anne.
In 2015, he published his memoirs entitled "Building Bridges". As he was fluent in French, he also wrote the French version entitled Les Ponts du dialogue.
He is survived by his wife of sixty-seven years, McGill Professor (retired), Sheila Goldbloom and his children, Susan Restler (Peter Restler), Michael Goldbloom (Fiona Macleod), Jonathan Goldbloom (Alice Switocz); four grandchildren, Victoria (Byron), Lincoln, Alexandra and Matthew; two great-grandchildren, Sol and Sylvia; his brother, Dr. Richard Goldbloom, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
In addition to his family, friends and community, Victor loved piano, poetry, biographies, theatre, opera, wine, gastronomy, baseball, the New York Times crossword and telling a good joke.
A funeral service will be held in Montreal at Temple Emanu-El-Beth- Sholom, 4100 Sherbrooke St. W., Westmount on Friday, February 19, 2016 at 12 noon. Burial at the Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom Congregation Section, Mount Royal Cemetery, 1297 ch. de la Forêt. The family will receive condolences prior to the service as of 11:00 a.m. Shiva at his residence, through Sunday evening, February 21, 2016. Victor supported many causes and the family would be honoured by donations to the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
42 Entries
January 3, 2017
Just found out about the passing of Dr. Goldbloom to me, my pediatrician for many years until he suggested at age 22 I seek out another doctor. I remember him making house calls, bringing his littleJust seeing him made me feel better. Now, 38 years later, he still has a special place in my heart. Debbie Rosenzweig (the late Sam & Ettie Grossman's daughter)
Franca Verdon
April 24, 2016
To Victor's children,
Susan, Michael and Jonathan, I wish the courage to go through with this lesson of life with faith, hope and love
His smile, good heart and this unique way he had to bring out the best in every person he loved will always be remembered
Somewhere, over the rainbow, he watches over us
Franca Verdon
Deb Kadaner
April 23, 2016
Dear Goldbloom family,
My belated and sincere condolences on the passing of Dr. Victor Goldbloom. Dr. Goldbloom was my pediatrician until I moved to the US at about the age of 23. He was a special man and a wonderful Doctor. I remember his house calls with his black bag. This meant we would feel better soon. A few years ago, we reconnected and what a day it was at our home when Dr. Goldbloom came to visit us at my parents home. We still talk about it to this day. He will be greatly missed by all of his fans and patients, and I am one of these.
Sincerely,
Deb Kadaner
March 5, 2016
Dear Sheila,
My deepest sympathy to you upon the death of your beloved Victor.
II remember Victor very fondly and of course his Father was my beloved pediatrician who I will never forget for his great wisdom.
I hope your many wonderful memories of your inspiring life together will sustain you in your grief.
My condolences also to all your family members whose great loss will alsol be felt by so many .
Zelda Harris,Tprpnto.
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Byron Toben
February 29, 2016
Dear Goldbloom family
we have been long time fans of your husband and father.
The long list of signers on this guest book is a further testimonial to his
life and work. i have added a candle as I feel that his legacy is a sort of Ner Tamid (eternal light) for others seeking wisdom and patience.
February 27, 2016
Dear Sheila,
I am so sorry to hear about Victor's sudden passing. I was looking forward to a visit on my next trip to Montreal. I recently had a very helpful conversation with him on the phone regarding the Christian - Jewish dialogue of Montreal. He was as concerned and committed as ever about the organization and its programs. it was very inspiring to see you both in Provence at the 2013 ICCJ conference and to hear Victors contribution at.the dialogue meetings. He was very kind and patient and always willing to share his wisdom from his experience. I wish you and your family strength at this time and hope that his Memory will be an inspiration to help you all deal with his loss. Best wishes, Rochelle Rabinovitz,
Calgary, Alberta
Rhonda Cunningham
February 26, 2016
To the family of Dr. Goldbloom...I am the Executive Director of the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation located in Cobourg, ON. I am reaching out to advise you that I received a donation from Phil Brais in memory of your husband/father. In his note, Mr. Brais wrote that Dr. Goldbloom was the pediatrician to his four children. And that his father, Dr. Alton Goldbloom was the pediatrician to his sisters and himself. I just wanted you to be aware this donation was made and we are indeed honoured to be the beneficiary of this gift in his memory.
Barbara buckingham
February 23, 2016
sheila Michael Jonathan And daughter And there family's my sympathy to all victor was always nice to me as was his family I was around there house for a long time so sad to see someone die would like to hear from the family Barb and Gord my email [email protected]
Doug Mayoff
February 22, 2016
Dear Mrs. Goldbloom & Family, Dr. Goldbloom was my and my 4 siblings Pediatrician. Today we range in age from 55-70 years and have our own children & in some cases grandchildren. I am the middle child, 63 years of age and have very vivid memories of Dr. Goldbloom pulling up in front of the then family home on Dufferin Rd. in Hampstead and walking up our stairs with his doctor's bag to check on any one of us. Camp vaccinations were another story...how we were all frightened when that day came around. Your husband and father was truly a very special human being. I remember when my late mother's mother, my Grandmother passed away, my Mom was so touched that she received an acknowledgement from Dr. Goldbloom, and this was many years after he had stopped practicing medicine. I read about Dr. Goldbloom's many achievements over the years with much satisfaction and enjoyment, taking personal satisfaction that my childhood Doctor was such an acclaimed & accomplished person. Undoubtedly Dr.Goldbloom is irreplaceable and will be missed by you all and the very many individuals from all walks of life whose lives he indeed touched deeply, as he did mine.
Most sincerely, Doug Mayoff
Jean Duhaime
February 21, 2016
Chère Madame Goldbloom,
Paule-Renée et moi voulons vous exprimer nos plus sincères condoléances ainsi qu'à tous les membres de votre famille.
Nous aurions aimé vous le dire de vive voix ce matin, avant les funérailles, mais le grand nombre de personnes qui nous précédaient ne nous a pas permis de le faire.
Nous gardons de Victor Goldbloom le souvenir d'un homme de conviction pour lequel l'indispensable dialogue des personnes, des groupes et des religions, passe d'abord par la rencontre et l'écoute de l'autre qui permettent de développer la connaissance, le respect et l'estime réciproques.
Il nous a montré que le dialogue authentique débouche sur l'action commune pour améliorer le monde , pour résoudre les conflits en s'attaquant à leurs causes, pour promouvoir la justice et les droits des personnes, en faisant preuve de compassion et de solidarité envers les plus fragiles.
Il a consacré sa vie au service de la collectivité, au Québec, au Canada et ailleurs dans le monde, avec une immense générosité et une présence indéfectible aux personnes et aux causes qui lui tenaient à cur, dans un souci constant de favoriser le développement harmonieux d'une société plus humaine, dont les membres s'enrichissent mutuellement de leurs différences.
Son action patiente et rassembleuse, est une inspiration pour que nous poursuivions la tâche avec le même courage et la même persévérance.
Jean Duhaime et Paule-Renée Villeneuve
Franca Verdon
February 19, 2016
One of his first tortured and neglected child cases I will always feel protected by his power to keep away bad people from hurting innocent children Be blessed my pediatrician
February 19, 2016
Dear Sheila and family,
Laurrel joins me in extending to you our deepest sympathy on Victor's passing. I have the warmest memories of his outstanding character and humanity, extending back to the mid 1940's when we were at McGill together. He lived a full and meaningful life, and his contributions to our community and society will not be forgotten.
Norman Wolfe
Frank Schlesinger
February 19, 2016
A great loss. He was my mentor. He was amazing. His energy, brilliance and guidance will be sorely missed.
Martin & Janice Goodman
February 19, 2016
Dear Sheila and Family, I first met Dr Goldbloom when I was 12 years old and Janice knew him as her pediatrician and then later worked for him as well. It was his first campaign running for member of parliament when I met him. My mother was his organizer and of course I helped her run the youth.
He treated us all as equals in his successful quest to be our MLA. His eloquence, thoughtfulness and leadership left an ever lasting impression on all who had the pleasure to spend time with him.
He will always be lovingly remembered.
Sending our deepest condolences. Janice and Marty Goodman and family
Lyna Boushel
February 19, 2016
Dear Sheila and Family,
Our deepest sympathy for your loss of a dear husband, father, friend and doctor to many. Victor was an agent of change through some very challenging times in Quebec. His patience, conciliatory manner, concern for mankind and bringing people together towards a common understanding and respect for one another helped him to build bridges between the many communities he served.
We are forever grateful for his contributions.
God bless.
Lyna and Tom Boushel
Agata Kozanecka
February 18, 2016
Dear Sheila and Family,
With a feeling of loss and sadness we learned that Dr. Victor Goldbloom, a wonderful friend and member of our foundation, passed away.
We will cherish the memories of his presence with us, his great wisdom and guidance, and his warmth and goodwill in building bridges of understanding between people.
Jolanta Duniewicz
Mila Mesner
Ilona Gruda
Andrea Axt
Agata Kozanecka
Mark Galler
Teresa Depa
Board of Directors of Polish Jewish Heritage Foundation
Andrew M. De Four
February 18, 2016
Sheila and Family,
You have my families deepest condolences. His life and work has been stitched into the fabric of Quebec and Canada. His example of building bridges among people and communities lives on. We hope and pray that as you read all these comments from those who knew him, that you get comfort.
Beatrice,Vittorio and Karen Livon
February 18, 2016
Our condolences to the Goldbloom family. We will always remember Dr. Goldbloom as a kind and thoughtful friend . As our family pediatrician, his advice and care will never be forgotten.
February 18, 2016
Dear Sheila and Family,
Heart felt sympathy at the passing of such a wonderful, kind and gentle man. I sat with Victor for many years as a member of the Jewish-Christian Dialogue of Montreal and greatly appreciated his friendship, as well as his dedication to "building bridges" and facilitating dialogue at all levels. He shall be greatly missed. May you find comfort in the knowledge of how much he was loved and appreciated by all who knew him.
Rita Leblanc
Maria Peluso
February 18, 2016
Sheila and Family, I am very sad to learn of your loss. Victor was a great man. He was pillar of inspiration to all who crossed his path. Few knew opera greats like Tito Schipi or Ezio Pinza or appreciated the diversity of creative talent. I could go on. Share of joke or two. Working with him for five years was a gift. He imparted to everyone he met skills of conciliation and conflict resolution. A builder of bridges and a peace maker. Victor will continue to live in our hearts and minds.
February 18, 2016
Dear Sheila & family,
My heartfelt condolences to all of you .Your family had an enormous influence in our lives. My mother Sheila worked for the family for years and became a friend as well.
I myself was mentored by Dr Goldbloom and he supported my desire to become a physician for which I will always be grateful .
I have been influenced in my medical career by his philosophy as a compassionate and caring healer.
Dr Marilyn LaFave
February 18, 2016
We offer our most sincere condolences to Mrs. Goldbloom and her family on the passing of Mr. Victor Goldbloom. Throughout his life, Mr. Goldbloom has been an inspiration to both linguistic communities in Quebec and in Canada. He will be dearly missed.
The Megantic English-speaking Community Development Corporation (MCDC)
Jimmy Stein
February 18, 2016
A great man, a great life, a great inspiration. We share your loss but celebrate his gifts to our community and mankind.
- Jimmy S.
February 17, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 17, 2016
Dear Sheila and Family, Please accept my deepest condolences on Victor's passing. He was and is an inspiration, on so many levels and in so many ways. My thoughts,and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Terri Allister, Temple
Nicolas Steinmetz
February 17, 2016
Dear Sheila and family,
I first met Victor as a medical student (As I also met Alton and Richard), and benefited from his teaching...the science , yes, but importantly, the art of being a doctor. He was always attentive, considerate , respectful and never made one feel inadequate. No doubt his patients were grateful for his care.
As good a doctor as he was, he did a good thing turning to other things, because it is here that he made the singular contribution to our society by helping us all become better people; he helped our society become more tolerant , more accepting of difference. In doing so he he elevated the content of our culture, and changed the nature of Québec.He was always active, he was not working, because what he did was who he was. And he was a happy man.
His accomplishments were for all of us. What a happy legacy.
Nicolas Steinmetz
Ruth Pelletier
February 17, 2016
Dear Sheila, Michael & Fiona, Jonathan & Alice,
It was with great sadness I heard of Victor's passing but he an inspiration to so many of us. He was definitely a man of service to Quebec society. He was humble and worked to build bridges and bring our different cultures and faiths together. He had time for everyone. Sheila you and Victor were an exceptional team. I pray that all the good memories of your life together will ease the sorrow and loss you no doubt are facing. RIP Victor you have earned it. I will try and be with you on Friday but if I am unable to get there I promise Sheila to be in touch next week. My sincere condolences to the entire family.
February 17, 2016
Dear Sheila, Jonathan and Michael,
We were so saddened to hear of your loss. Victor was a great man who worked tirelessly to make the world a better place. His absence will be felt by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We wish you strength and comfort.
Betsy Hirst and Dave Bronstetter
Rhona Blanshay
February 17, 2016
Dear Sheila,
Bernie & I express our deepest sympathies to you & your family on the loss of your beloved husband,Victor.
May you be spared further sorrow.
Rhona & Bernie Blanshay
George Grigoriadis
February 17, 2016
Dr. Goldbloom was my pediatrician and even (according to my mother)saved my life and the age of 2 months old. He was my first true hero and was the reason I pursued sciences with an ambition to be just like him. It has been 35 years since I have seen him, but I always smiled with pride when I told my kids "that was MY doctor". I wish the entire family my sincerest condolences and hope that the memories he left behind bring a smile to everyone.
Thank you Dr. Goldbloom
Shirlee Doron nee Silverberg
February 17, 2016
I was born in 1945 with celiac disease. By the time my Mother saw Dr. Goldblum, I was dying of malnutrition. He was the only one who diagnosed the disease and saved my life.
Fo Niemi
February 17, 2016
Thank you for being a beacon of humanity, solidarity, faith, and service to country all your life, and most of all, for leading by example with such dedication, passion and humility. Your legacy is simply monumental.
Harvey & Pat Guyda
February 17, 2016
Sheila,
It was with great sadness that we learned of Victor's passing. We are sorry that we will not be able to express our condolences to you and the family in person.
Victor was an exceptional person; his contributions to society truly astonishing. He touched many with his humble thoughtfulness and caring. It was an honour to know him.
Our thoughts are with you.
Dr. Barry Pless
February 17, 2016
Victor was an attending when I was a paediatric resident. That was over 50 years ago. He was as gentle, kind, and wise then as he was during the rest of his truly remarkable life. I shall remember him with great affection.
Rosa Leone
February 17, 2016
Dear Jonathan,
My heart is saddened by your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you. I did not know your dad, but he seemed like a lovely person. Like father, like son. With great respect,
Elaine Davis
February 17, 2016
When first I met Victor Goldbloom approximately58 years ago,it was through my now late husband,Dr. Bernie Davis. Dr.Goldbloom was to be our paediatrician. How fortunate we were. His intelligence,his kindness and his lovely humour were his gifts and he bestowed them on all he met. I still remember his two little black books. One held information about his patients and the other listed the punchlines from his favourite jokes. He was both physician and friend.
My deepest sympathies to his wonderful family.
Sandra & Howard Sterling
February 17, 2016
To the family of Dr Victor Goldbloom our heartfelt sympathy and condolences at the loss of your most loving and compassionate husband, father, brother. Your loss has brought sadness to our entire community as Dr Victor Goldbloom's legacy is not easily matched. May you all be spared further sorrow and his beautiful memory sustain you and inspire us all to do good as did he.
Zenny & Marika Bryniawsky
February 17, 2016
Eternal Memory!
Sam Totah
February 17, 2016
Victor was a real mensh ! He brought changes to the Quebec society unthinkable before his time. He brought civility warmth and understanding. We are all different but we have to learn to live together. Kol akavod. Condolences to his family. He was my mentor and close friend.
Sheila (Rubin), Bernard and Debra Bruman
February 17, 2016
Dear Sheila and Family, In memory of a Life well served.
Sheila (Rubin), Bernard and Debra Bruman
February 17, 2016
Dear Sheila and Family, In memory of a Life well served.
Clifford Lincoln
February 17, 2016
Sheila, Michael and Jonathan,
I am now in Mauritius and won't be able to attend Victor's funeral, and express my condolences to you viva voice, as I would much like to do.
My respect and esteem for Victor run extremely deep. Among his outstanding achievements, for me his most precious legacy is that of builder of social and interfaith reconciliation and peace, in an environment where ethnicity and faith are often the cause of polarization, intolerance and conflict.
I was always struck by his ever-patient, reflective, and objective wisdom. Never one for the quick and facile answer, when he intervened his counsel was always measured and thoughtful. If I was asked to choose one word to describe him, I would use "gentleman", in the finest sense of the term.
For me, he was at all times an example of a person for others, and a special Quebecer and Canadian.
I am sorry not to be able to be in Montreal to pay my respects to his memory. May I wish you, and all yours, my most sincere friendship and sympathy.
Clifford Lincoln.
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