In Memoriam

HAROLD H. MOSTOW
OCTOBER 4, 1925 – SEPTEMBER 21, 2003

My father Harold Mostow was quite a guy. In fact, he was one of the most remarkable men I have ever known. In just 77 years, he accomplished more than I, and I dare say most people, could ever hope to manage in two lifetimes. Best of all, he had a great time doing it ... Read the full eulogy.

OBITUARY
HAROLD H. MOSTOW
October 4, 1925 – September 21, 2003

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Harold Mostow on Sunday, September 21, 2003, just weeks short of his 78th birthday. He is mourned by his wife of 56 years, Lillian; his daughter Morri and her husband Doug Long; his sons Michael and Syd; Syd’s wife Magdalena Palmer; his adored grandchildren Cassandre and Clotilde Aras, Kyle Mostow and Mauro Mostow Palmer. Harold was predeceased by his parents Michael and Anne, his sister Syril Slor; his brothers Percy, Sam and Richard.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Harold began his career in the men’s clothing business as a manufacturer’s agent, crisscrossing Canada for more than 25 years. With a sterling reputation for loyalty and honesty, his word was his bond, a handshake all he needed to seal a deal. In the early ‘70s, he established two successful businesses in Winnipeg: Alliance International, a clothing import company; and Canadown, a down coat manufacturing operation.

Harold was a great believer in sharing his good fortune and supported many charities, including the UJA, the Asper Community Campus and the United Way. An active member of Glendale Golf and Country Club for 45 years, Harold was Club Champion in 1964. He was also a member of Shaarey Zedek Synagogue and a Life Member of Hadassah Wizo. An “early bird” jogger/walker at the Reh-Fit Centre, he served on its Board for seven years. He greatly enjoyed his Tuesday luncheon meetings with the Retired Seniors Professional & Businessmen’s Club, where he chaired the speakers’ committee. Harold had a powerful presence, leavened with his legendary charm and an ability to entertain with stories and jokes. In short, he was a “mensch.”

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 23, 2003 at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, with Rabbi Allan Green and Cantor Anibal Mass officiating. Harold’s daughter Morri delivered the eulogy. Internment was at Shaarey Zedek Memorial Park. Pallbearers were: Harold’s nephews Drs. Elliot and Lawrie Halparin, Josh and Wayne Vickar; cousins Michael Halparin and Ian Kay; friends Stuart Halper and Bill Worb. Honorary pallbearers were: Sandor Guttman, Harvey Kay, Terry McIntyre, Ron Polinsky and Ray Winston.

Channelling Harold Mostow

Dad died at approximately 2:45 a.m. on Sunday, September 21, 2003, alone in his hospital room. Mom and I had gone home around 9 p.m., thinking we’d have a rest and then return in the middle of the night. I was afraid that Dad wouldn’t last the night because he had become unresponsive on Saturday afternoon. Mom had left me alone that afternoon for about three hours. I sang and talked to him and told him he’d be just fine because he was going home. When we left the hospital, I was afraid he’d die without us, but Mom was so exhausted that I decided to take a chance. About 2:30 a.m. or so, I awoke with a start, thinking of Dad, thinking I should call the hospital to see how he was. Then I decided, since the hospital hadn’t called as I’d instructed them to do if they thought we should be there, that he was probably OK. A few minutes later, the phone rang. It was the nurse calling to say that Dad had died. I’m convinced that Dad woke me up at the exact moment he passed away ... Read the full story.