GOOD, Mendel (Aftergut) - Passed away peacefully on Monday, November 23, 2020 at the age of 95.
Mendel was born in Nowy-Sacz, Poland in1925 and immigrated to Ottawa, Canada in 1948. It was there that he met and fell in love with Valerie Blau, an immigrant from Hungary, who pre-deceased him in 2016 after celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary.
Mendel proudly leaves behind his children, Beverly Weinstein, Gloria and Ken Draper, and Bernie Good and Jennifer Joseph.Devoted Zaidy of Jordana and Joe Levey, Ashley and Fred Fruchter, Daniel and Rachel Draper, Dylan, Alexander, Aaron, Noah, and Leah.
Delighted Great-Zaidy to Skylar, Meadow, Brandon and Devin.
Mendel has always shown strength and resilience. During his early life in Europe, Mendel endured seven years in numerous ghettos and both labour and concentration camps. His liberation in Ebensee by American troops was followed by three years in Austrian hospitals regaining his health. As a Holocaust survivor, Mendel was the sole survivor of his immediate family (parents and three siblings) and of his large extended family. At the age of 23 Mendel arrived in Ottawa under the sponsorship of the Garment Workers Program (Tailor Project). Mendel worked hard over 40 years and established the M. Good Tailor shop in the Byward Market, a business that is still open today.
In 2002 when Mendel and Valerie moved to Toronto to be closer to their children and grandchildren, the Ottawa community held a tribute event for them, where hundreds came to honour their dedication to perpetuating Holocaust education and community service. Mendel was forever thankful for the family and life that he and Valerie were able to establish in Canada.
Many thanks to the entire staff at Baycrest Apotex and in particular 5 South, where Mendel spent seven happy years under their exceptional care. Their devotion kept him joyful and comfortable over the years. He never shied away from telling everyone how he loved living there and continue the Jewish traditions. Mendel treasured each act of kindness shown to him with his big smile and a thank-you.
Also thanks to Mount Sinai Hospital Cardiac Units on 10 South staff who looked after Mendel in his last weeks. A special thanks to Dr. Leah Steinberg, from the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, who supported Mendel and family, providing comfort and compassion during this time.
A graveside service will take place on Tuesday, November 24, 2020.
Donations in Mendel's memory can be made to: Baycrest Foundation: The Valerie and Mendel Good Memorial Fund or Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre .
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