Contributions to the tribute of Bernie Zaifman

Gerry and Debra Davies posted a condolence

Friday, May 11, 2018

Dear Beverley and Family - We learned from Steven Davies - our son, that your beloved husband Bernie has passed away. Our visit to The Manse in Picton presented one of those rare moments when you meet someone and are reminded of 'six degrees of separation'. That's when we met you. Your strong love and compassion for your life partner was apparent. We are so sorry to learn of Bernie's passing, and yet know from the little bit you shared; he is free and no longer constrained by dis-ease. We read the London Free Press article and now know what a wonderful legacy your husband has left behind. Steven always spoke so fondly of you both. He has asked us to pass on his and Normalee's condolences. He would like to contact you, but doesn't quite know where to start. Take good care Beverley and please know that we are thinking of you and your family. Fondly and sincerely, Gerry and Debra Davies

Jerry and Lisa Jadd posted a condolence

Friday, May 11, 2018

Dear Bev and family: We offer our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Roberta Birnbaum posted a condolence

Friday, May 11, 2018

I always think of Bernie as the kindest man. Perry and I shared many wonderful times with the two of you. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Rabbi Howard Hoffman posted a condolence

Friday, May 11, 2018

Bernie Zaifman, zl I was very sad to hear about Bernies untimely death. I remember coming to Londons Or Shalom as rabbi in 1977 and meeting Bernie and his parents, Percy and Zenia. Bernie had recently become bar mitzvah and he was still coming, as he did for many years, to the Friday night service with Percy. Whenever we needed a minyan, not just on Friday nights, calling over to the Zaifman home on Harrison Crescent would get us two more willing participants. But Bernie was not just an extra body for minyan, he was a caring member of our community, not just at Or Shalom, but whenever the London Jewish community needed help. He learned his values and his modest practice of extending help from his father and mother, and he learned them well. Percys practice of matan baseter, of anonymous giving, became Bernies too. Quiet, Shtiller Heit, he offered help often before being asked. Neither of them wanted the recognition. Whether it was a quick repair of the synagogue or a person in need of financial help, they were there. At odd hours youd find them trudging through the hallways of the shul, looking at a problem or talking in a low voice about how to offer help to an individual or the shul or day school among others. Bernie was a very loving and loyal son and brother. His parents counted on him implicitly and as part of the Zaifman clan, and though at the young end of the family, he was always reliable. When he grew up, entered the family business and faced taking over many of his fathers tasks because of Percys failing health, Percy would always tell me how good Bernie was and how proud of him he felt. Zenia did too. Bernie was a son who really loved and honored his parents. When he met and married Bev they seemed such a good pair. I was near to the end of my time in London when they were getting married. Percy was in the hospital and we were trying to figure out how he could attend their wedding. We debated doing a service in his intensive care room prior to the public one or setting up a video feed. I dont recall exactly how it went down, but there was no way a family as loving as Bernies was going to allow his dad to miss his wedding. I lost track of Bernie when he had just begun his family. I heard good things about him and his continued reliability and kindness on my infrequent visits to London. When I heard he had become ill, I was taken aback. In my mind Bernie remained the youthful, shy, smiling man, who was so easy to admire. His loss is a loss not just to his beloved family, but to a city and Jewish community to whom he was a true guardian. May his many acts of kindness inspire a new generation. Rabbi Howard Hoffman Elaine Hoffman

Miranda Robinson posted a condolence

Friday, May 11, 2018

Dear Bev, Jared, Pierce, Samara, Noa, Helene, Doreen, Cecile... I am deeply sorry to hear of Bernie's passing. He was an admirable man and I'm truly grateful for my few years working with him and the family.

Jen Pimentel posted a condolence

Friday, May 11, 2018

My dad Tony Pimentel worked for ZGROUP for over 30 plus years. He remembers fondly of Bernie'S parents and Bernie himself. Pimentel family.

The kogons posted a condolence

Friday, May 11, 2018

Deepest sympathy on passing of your dear Bernie.

Elaine Hoffman posted a condolence

Friday, May 11, 2018

Dear Bev & family, We just heard of Bernie's passing from our daughter Merav. We send our deepest condolences. Bernie was a wonderful person as described in the obituary. We loved his whole family and are so saddened to hear this news. We will send a longer condolence later but wanted you to know that we are thinking of you. May God comfort you among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

David Segal posted a condolence

Friday, May 11, 2018

May his memory always bring you smiles and a warmth in your hearts.

Barbara Heslop posted a condolence

Friday, May 11, 2018

Bev I was sorry to hear that Bernie has passed away. Working for him for sixteen years was a good experience. He wss a good man. My condolences to you and your family.

Rabbi Yaacov Rone posted a condolence

Friday, May 11, 2018

Dear Bev and family, May God comfort you on your loss. Berne was "one of my kids" , quiet, modest, with a heart of gold. Those of us who had the pleasure of knowing him are truly fortunate. Treasure the fond memories that you have of the years you were permitted to share. And know that he is at peace. May his memory continue to be for a blessing

Nathan Schiff posted a condolence

Friday, May 11, 2018

Dear Bev, I am so sorry to hear about Bernie. My heartfelt thoughts are with you and your family

Vivian and Randy Maxwell & family posted a condolence

Friday, May 11, 2018

To Bev and family: Heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved husband and father, Bernie, a kind and gentle soul. May his memory be for a blessing.

Jackie and Jack Halip posted a condolence

Friday, May 11, 2018

We will always remember Bernie as a caring, compassionate gentleman. His presence will be missed by everyone who had the privilege knowing him.

Charlie Ross and Family posted a condolence

Friday, May 11, 2018

Bernie was a wonderful man and did a lot for our city. Our sincerest condolences to the entire Zaifman Family.

Bill Niessen posted a condolence

Friday, May 11, 2018

I'm grateful to have know and worked with Bernie. I have many good memories from those years. He was a very good man who took pride from a loving family and his many contributions to his community. He always fostered the spirit of family working together in his leadership style. Decent to his core, he had the love and respect of anyone who got to know him well. My thoughts are with Bev and the kids at this sad time.

Linda Berman posted a condolence

Friday, May 11, 2018

So sorry fpr your loss. Bernie will be missed.

Barbara (Steiner) Bookman posted a condolence

Friday, May 11, 2018

So very sorry to hear about this awful loss for you and your family. Sending love, prayers and blessings your way.

Robert Davis posted a condolence

Friday, May 11, 2018

I've known Bernie since we were both 5 years old. He's a big part of my childhood, and growing up in general. We all lost an amazing individual on May 11/18. To Bev and family, my heart goes out to you. May fond memories comfort you, at this very sad time. Thinking of you all. Sincerely, Rob Davis.

Ron Sokalski posted a condolence

Friday, May 11, 2018

Please accept my sincere sympathies, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn. Ron Sokalski

Thelma kenny posted a condolence

Friday, May 11, 2018

Always loved Bernie for his kind and gentle ways with everyone. Have very fond memories of working for the Zaifman family. My deepest sympathies i

Cindy Barron posted a condolence

Friday, May 11, 2018

So sorry for your loss. May his memory be a blessing.

Debi Medzon posted a condolence

Friday, May 11, 2018

Dear Bev and family, Our deepest condonlences on your loss. May you find comfort in the many memories you share together. Debi Medzon and Jeff Shavzin

Craig and Dagmar McColl posted a condolence

Friday, May 11, 2018

Bev, we are so very sorry for your loss. Please give our condolences to your family and know that our thoughts are with you.

Michael & Linda Bernstein posted a condolence

Friday, May 11, 2018

Linda and I send our most sincere condolences to you and your family.