Obituary of William Issac Friedman

March 1, 1928 – Calgary, Alberta

September 1, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bill Friedman, who died peacefully, following a long illness, at the age of 93.

He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 61 years Toba (Belzberg); sons, Michael (Cathy), Robert; daughter, Danielle and his grandson, Maxwell.

Like so many of his contemporaries of first-generation Canadians, Bill worked with his father after school in their butcher shop to help support the household. Family always came first for Bill. He went on to work for IKO industries which served as the foundation for his successful real estate career. His legacy lives on in the many buildings he developed in Calgary. Bill was a proud Canadian and an active member of the Jewish community. He was past president of the Shaarey Tzedec Synagogue, active in the Calgary Rotary Club, led fundraising campaigns for the United Jewish Appeal, and contributed generously to the establishment of the Jewish Community Center. But mostly, Bill was a dedicated and loving family man who took great pride in his family and loved them unconditionally.

In addition to his wife and children, Bill is survived by his sister, Tillie Sklar; brother and sister-in-law, Allan and Bonnie Belzberg and his many nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Morris and Faiga Friedman; sisters, Ida Friedman and Toby Goldmintz; brother, Leo Friedman; Mother/Father-in-law, Ruth and Max Belzberg and his brother-in-law, Jack Sklar, OB’M.

Bill suffered for many years with the cruel and complex disease of Alzheimer’s and that experience left us with the realization that for both the family and the patient, nothing means more than the understanding, compassion and kindness of family and friends. We pray that he knows, in the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “There are no goodbyes for us, wherever you are, you’ll always be in our hearts”, He leaves us all with heavy hearts but so much gratitude for all the love and wonderful memories we share. Memorial tributes can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Calgary or the charity of your choice.

Due to the pandemic, funeral services will be via Zoom on Friday, September 3rd, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. Please reach out to the family for those details.

Arrangements in care of the CHEVRA KADISHA OF CALGARY, Telephone:  403-244-4717.