Obituary of Morris Zaifman

In his 99th year, surrounded by his loving family, Morris Zaifman passed peacefully into the world to come on Saturday, March 23, 2013. Born November 20th, 1914 in Laguf Poland, he was the second youngest of five boys. Morris and his two brothers, Aron and Percy, survived the Holocaust and emigrated to London, Ontario through the generous sponsorship of the Mandel family. They all worked hard and made Canada their chosen home. Morris began working in the scrap metal business, and then began peddling fruits and vegetable, supplying individual families and large institutions like Mount St Joseph’s Mother House, and Victoria Hospital with equal love and devotion. In 1955 Morris and his wife Paula opened Seven Star Furniture on Dundas East and for 55 years they became the go to destination for new immigrants in search of a great deal and free credit. After retiring at the age of 89, Morris and Paula enjoyed travelling to Florida for most of the winter with close friends Howard and Nancy Kleinberg, and Yitzchak and Paula Goldhar, a trip he continued to take until just these past two years. Morris was dedicated to his family, and to his community. Family meant absolutely everything to him, and he was devoted to his brothers, brother in law and sisters in law. Family celebrations were joyous and plentiful, and he quietly presided over them with benevolence and love. He became the Patriarch of the extended Zaifman and Elken families, enjoying the role of Uncle Morris to Helene (Garry), Doreen (Morris), Bernie (Bev), Cecile, Steve (Melissa), and Irving, great uncle to 18 and great, great uncle to one. Morris was revered for his quiet philanthropy, and he helped so many people one to one. Morris was the oldest Holocaust survivor in London, and he was the last Zaifman of his generation. He will be sorely missed. Morris’s family would like to thank the love and dedication of his caregivers Joan and Lina, the staff of McGarrell Place, and the emergency staff of University Hospital. With your help, his life was full and comfortable to his very last moments. Morris is survived by Paula, his wife and life partner of nearly 63 years, sons Terry, Len (Susan), Irwin (Ann) and daughter Darlene (Laurence); grandchildren Josh, Sheena (Will), Mischa, Nik, Noah, Cindy, Larry, Jacob, Zoe, Bayly (Jamie), Davita, Ilana, Aron, Shalom; and great granddaughter Paisley Madison. His neshama will always be with us, to guide us, strengthen us, and keep us together as a family. Funeral will be held Monday, March 25th, 11am at Congregation Or Shalom, 534 Huron St at Adelaide. Interment to follow at the Or Shalom Cemetery. As the festival of Passover supersedes the tradition of sitting Shiva, visits with the family to celebrate Morris’s life are welcome Thursday, March 28: 7:30 am Shacharit, 1-4 pm Visits, 7-9 pm Mincha and Friday, March 29: 7:30 am Shacharit and 1-4 Visits at 9-145 North Centre Road. As a founding parent of the London Community Hebrew Day School, Morris loved children and revered education. Donations in Morris’s honour can be made to LCHDS (519)439-8419 www.lchds.ca . May his memory be a blessing. Arrangements entrusted to LOGAN FUNERAL HOME, 371 Dundas St. Online condolences can be expressed at www.loganfh.ca. Services: Service Date Friday, March 15, 2013