Obituary of EDGAR RAYMOND COHEN

It is with profound sadness that the family of Edgar R. Cohen announces his passing on Monday, March 20, 2006. With his beloved family at his bedside he died with the dignity and quiet honor that marked his life. Born the son of the late Meyer and Bessie (Levine) Cohen he lived all of his 81 years in the city of his birth, Saint John. Proud of his heritage, his city and his province, Ed was a graduate of Saint John High School, attended Mount Allison University and the Saint John Business School. Ed was most well-known as the proprietor of Hoffman's Ltd., on Main Street where he carried on business for more than 50 years. A life-long member of the Shaarei Zedek Synagogue, Ed was a life associate of the Haddasah-Wizo Organization of Canada, and a member of B'nai Brith. A life-long member of the PC Association of Canada, politics was his favorite pastime. Ed was a Mason of the Grande Lodge, and served on the Saint John City Parking Commission; he was an inaugural member of the Board of Directors of the Saint John Port Commission, a Trustee of St. Joseph's Hospital and a member of the Northwest Commercial Travelers' Association. Ed's greatest joy in life was his family which he held most dear. He is survived by his childhood sweetheart and wife of 58 years, Erminie (Bernstein); his children, Cathy (Bill Thompson), Lee, Shelley (Barry Cohen-Thorley); and his prized grandson Micah Tait. His sister Jennie Cohen, several nieces and nephews, and Lenora Garnett, his devoted friend of 40 years, also survive him. Ed was pre-deceased by his brother, Israel Cohen. Funeral services will be held at Brenan's Bay View Select Community Funeral Home Chapel, 1461 Manawagonish Road at 1:00 pm on Thursday, March 23, 2006, followed by interment at Shaarei Zedek Cemetery (Fernhill Cemetery). Following the funeral Shiva will be held at the family home where friends will be welcome anytime after 2:00 pm. during the week. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to ONE Change Inc. (the Old North End Community Project) c/o 195 Victoria Street, Saint John, NB, E2K 1L7 or the Saint John Jewish Historical Museum.