It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the recent passing of Habonim member
Dr. Paul Druckman
Husband of Sandra Druckman
Father and father in law of Father and father in law of Myles (& Chris), Kimberly (& Cameron), Tamara (& David), and Joshua,grandfather of Sydney, Noah, Makensey, Hannah, Roslyn, Brady, and Zachary
Dr. Paul Druckman, a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, and confidante, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2024, at the age of 87. Born on April 9, 1937, Paul lived a wonderful life full of adventure, friendship, humour and passion. He loved and revered his family above all else, and will be sorely missed.
As a child, Paul grew up during the war above a movie theatre in Preston, Ontario with his mother, Rosabel and father, Sidney. Paul would often sneak downstairs to watch movies, where he developed a love of the arts and theatre, which he later shared with his family. On Sidney’s return from the war, the family moved to the iconic 51 Burnside Drive, where they lived for nearly 60 years, and where Paul and Sandra (Sandy) raised their four wonderful children. In his teenage years he fell in love with canoe tripping - and he always considered himself a “Tripper”. He loved to paddle, especially if he was carrying the love of his life Sandy in his red handmade canoe.
He excelled in medicine at the University of Toronto, where he was the graduating president in the class of 1961. He met Sandy, a nurse, whilst they were both working on the same ward at Toronto General Hospital. After quickly sweeping her off her feet, they were married in December 1961.
After medical school, Paul was a driving force for Care Medico, a global aid organization. In 1962, Paul and Sandy volunteered to go to Lamphat, Cambodia where they worked as a doctor-nurse team in the jungle. They spent 2 years providing medical care to the local community. During their adventures they delivered babies, raised an orphaned jaguar, and welcomed their eldest child Myles into the world.
Paul returned to Toronto where he became a Child and Family Psychiatrist. He took his young family to Palo Alto for 2 years, where he studied the latest advancements in family and child mental health. On return he started his own private practice which he ran, single-handedly, for over 50 years. He saved and improved many lives, quietly supporting his whole community. In addition, once a month he took his skills to underserviced areas in Timmins, flying there by bush plane.
He was a man of many talents, especially known for his love of tennis. Although a fierce competitor, Paul always met his opponents with grace, humour, and a glorious smile. He was one of the top players in Canada into his 80’s. Off the tennis court, Paul also enjoyed chess, travel, and helping Sandy in their famous garden. He could often be found tending to their leaking pond, or cursing the raccoons that had again, eaten his goldfish.
Paul had the rare combination of razor sharp analytical skills, fierce competitive drive, questioning intellect and all with disarming warmth and positivity. Paul’s legacy is remembered by his family and friends, who will never forget his wisdom, curiosity and caring. He is predeceased by his sister, Ellen. Lovingly remembered by his wife, Sandra, who was the love of his life, as well as his children Myles (& Chris), Kimberly (& Cameron), Tamara (& David), and Joshua, and innumerable extended family and friends. His grandchildren, Sydney, Noah, Makensey, Hannah, Roslyn, Brady, and Zachary, remember him for his famous story-telling at seders, nature walks at cottages, skill at chess, and above all, love for his family.
A service in celebration of his life will be held at Congregation Habonim (5 Glen Park Avenue, Toronto) on Friday, September 20th from 2 - 3 pm. There will be a light reception from 3 - 4 pm. This will be followed by a shiva at 51 Burnside Drive, which will take place Saturday, September 21st and Sunday September 22nd.
To send a Habonim Tribute Card to the family to express your condolences, you can do so on our website at http://www.congregationhabonim.org/payment.php
or by calling the office at 416-782-7125.
We wish the entire family comfort among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
