Bernard Selig Friedman

Bernie died peacefully in palliative care at the Toronto Grace Health Centre on Wednesday evening October 15. He was in his 95th year. Bernie and his partner Jan, shared 44 years of love and friendship. Bernie was a good man, who lived a long life full of kindness, unwavering integrity and quiet grace. His dry wit, laughter and wisdom were gifts to everyone who knew him.

Born in Toronto, Bernie graduated from Upper Canada College and went on to earn a degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Toronto. He later acquired a Masters of Business Administration from York University. A career that spanned 45 years, he began as an Electrical Engineer with Canadian General Electric and retired as a dedicated Professor in the School of Business at Centennial College of Applied Arts and Technology.

Bernie, an avid CBC listener, enjoyed his wide circle of friends, his wine and his food. Interesting travel included bicycle tours, hiking tours, road trips and shared house rentals. He was an accomplished sailor and was good at word games and puzzles. Music meant much to him. He always said ‘A day without Mozart is like a day without sunshine’. Bernie was considered a true mensch.

Bernie is survived by his partner Jan, his daughter Seanna (Steve), son Mark (Lettie) and grandsons, Trevyn (Elley), Nicholas (Victoria), and Marcos (Keannak). He will be missed by family and friends.

To honour his memory, the family is planning a private gathering. As charitable giving was a core part of Bernie’s identity and way of living, we ask that, in lieu of flowers, any donations be directed to the Toronto Grace Health Centre, to one of the many causes that he supported during his life, or to a charity of your choice.