Obituary of Garfield Theodore Meltzer

Garfield Theodore Meltzer born in Saint John, New Brunswick June 29, 1922 passed away Saturday, April 26, 2008. Dearest husband for over 53 years of Jacqueline (Rubanowicz of Paris, France), beloved father of Evelyne (Michael Gardner, Halifax), Richard (Shona Godwin, Montreal), Stephen (Michaela Lincoln, Montreal), and Michael (Linda Salna, Toronto). He was the much adored Zeidah of Theo and Michaela Meltzer Gardner, Alexander and Marieke Gardner, Sebastian, Aidan, Jacob, Spencer, Ariella, Elijah, Kendra and Alison Meltzer. Also leaving behind brother Murray (Eleanor, Montreal), sister Mary (Walter Nachum, Florida), cousin Lillian Meltzer Goldstein, many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, and other cousins in Canada, the United States, France and Israel. Will be greatly missed by Mary Roy Meltzer and Elizabeth Bosco who provided loving home support over the decades. Predeceased by his father Samuel Meltzer (who immigrated to Saint John from Vilna, Lithuania) and mother Alice Dritz Meltzer (Vilna, Lithuania) who died in Saint John when Gar was only two, much-loved step-mother, Sarah Balagenski (Warshaw, Poland), and siblings Lillian (Sydney Schoen), Kaye (Barney Colton), Edward, Anne (Jack Levine), Frances (Mischa Geltman) and Bill (Doreen). He dearly loved his in-laws Simon Rubanowicz and Raymonde Gordon Rubanowicz who had also predeceased him. Gar was the kindest, most generous, fair, honourable, humble, optimistic, and ever-courteous man who had an indomitable spirit to the very end, and had an irrepressible Gar Heart, that continued to beat long after the doctors thought it would. Gar always took the high road, always turned the other cheek, always had a good word with a smile for everyone. He was committed to promoting human rights, brotherhood, mutual respect, peace and community service throughout his life. He was active in the scouting movement, Akela for over 25 years with the Judaen and then the Eli Boyaner Cub Pack in Saint John. He considered each of his cubs as one of his boys. He delivered Meals on Wheels, offered pastoral care at the Saint John Regional Hospital, served on the Board of the Shaarei Zedek Synagogue, was a founding member and Commander of the Jewish War Veterans in Atlantic Canada, was a member of the Maritime Parkinsons Association, the North West Commercial Travellers' Association of Canada, Albion Masonic Lodge No.1, the Saint John Multi-Cultural Association, B'nai Brith, RICU, and past member of the Carlton Curling Club. Gar was a life member of the No. 2 Legion in Saint John having served in the Canadian army and then the airforce as an Officer Training Instructor during WWII. After the war he was actively involved as an instructor with the air cadets. Gar believed in working hard, in doing one’s best and realizing the fruit of one's labours for family and community. He was a ship chandler, the owner of Gar’s Diner, the Gar Meltzer Sales, and a commercial salesman for over 40 years representing some 50 companies throughout Atlantic Canada. Six months on the road every year for decades, he developed a network of customers who became friends who never forgot him for his acts of kindness and tzadkah. His good deeds were innumerable and we usually only heard by chance from those who were touched by his generosity and altruism. In 1992 he was awarded the Canada 125 Confederation Anniversary Medal for community service. And yet Gar never sought honours or recognition. Gar loved his family and he loved his home. He treasured his friendship with life-long pal IJ Davis. Thanks to caregivers Judy and Jackie who were so helpful and compassionate providing at-home assistance in Saint John; special hugs to Donna who took such good care of him while visiting in Toronto. Much appreciation to the wonderful medical and nursing staff at Toronto East General Hospital where he spent his last days. Donations may be made to the Maritimes Parkinsons Association or to the Gar Meltzer Memorial Scholarship fund c/o the Toronto Dominion Bank, 78 Main Street West, Saint John, NB, E2M 3N3. Funeral will be at 2:15 pm on Wednesday April 30, 2008 at Brenan’s Select Community Funeral Home, Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506) 634-7424. After the service interment in the Shaarei Zedek Cemetery, Westmorland Road, Saint John, NB. The family will be sitting shivah at 55 Goodrich Street, Saint John, NB. Condolences may be made in person, by phone, or via our website: www.brenansfh.com.