Obituary of Sidney Leonard Presner
Born October 11, 1936 (25 Tishrei 5697)
Died September 21, 2026 (10 Tishrei 5787)
Sidney Leonard Presner passed away peacefully on Monday, September 21, 2026, just shy of his 90th birthday. He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 60 years, Vena Helen Presner, née Blustein; his son, Brian Howard Presner; his sister, Lois Dorothy Shore, née Presner; and his brother, Robert Charles Presner.
At 15, Sid worked as a summer camp counsellor, introducing campers to the pleasures of Meccano, the classic construction set. After graduating from a technical school in electronics in Montreal, he served in the United States Air Force as a hydraulics specialist, working on jet and propeller aircraft. With a natural talent for organization and numbers, he went on to a long career as a purchasing agent for Noma Lights.
Sid and Vena shared a love of travel that took them to the Middle East, China and throughout Europe in their camper van. They even lived in the Canary Islands for nearly two years. Sid had a keen eye for photography, and the albums they created together captured memories of a life filled with shared experiences, curiosity and adventure.
With Vena’s encouragement, Sid pursued online courses in a wide range of subjects. He found a sense of community at Temple Israel of London, where he valued his friendship with Rabbi Debra Dressler.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Mohamed Adnan Balout for his cultural sensitivity and bedside manner during Sid’s final week, and to Dr. Omar Al-Azem, who looked after him during the first four weeks of his stay, along with the nurses and staff at University Hospital in London.
We are also deeply grateful to Rabbi Lazer Gurkow and Congregation Beth Tefilah for the kindness they have shown Brian.
Finally, special thanks go to Ann and Will Blanchette, whose friendship and support as neighbours over many years meant so much to Sid and continue to comfort Vena.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Sid’s honour may be made to Temple Israel of London through templeisraellondon.ca or to the London Health Sciences Foundation through lhsf.ca/ways-give.
A graveside service was held at Restmount Temple Israel Cemetery, 525 Oxford Street West, London, ON, N5Y 3H8, on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Shiva will be observed privately.
Arrangements entrusted to Logan-Evans Funeral Home, 371 Dundas Street, London, Ontario (519-433-6181).
Online condolences can be expressed at logan-evans.ca
