Obituary of Jacob PITCHON

February 27, 1933 - September 6, 2021

Jacob Pitchon of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, September 6, 2021 at the age of 88 years.

Jacob Pitchon was born in Thessaloniki, Greece and raised in Israel by his parents Mazal Hanoka and Yonah Pitchon. Despite a difficult childhood and losing his entire extended family in the Holocaust, he married the love of his life Ora Pitchon and worked tirelessly as a butcher to support his family. Together they had three children. Later, Jacob and his wife followed their eldest daughter to be with their grandchildren in Canada. Jewish tradition was a central part of his life, spending most Saturdays at the Synagogue where his Ladino style singing would vibrate through the hall. Coming from a Ladino speaking Sephardic Jewish family, Jacob’s love for Latin music and dance started in his youth. After the tragic passing of his wife Ora of fifty years in 2003, Jacob was able to find comfort and community through Calgary’s Latin dance scene. You could find him on almost any dance floor, dipping and twirling the lucky ladies while always reminding them that he had, has and will always have the one true love of his life, Ora. He was an independent, youthful and vibrant man that loved to laugh. Nothing made him happier than to be surrounded by his family and friends. Jacob passed away few hours before the start of the Jewish New Year - Rosh Hashanah, a festive holiday when Jews are supposed to celebrate and be joyous while pushing aside all sadness. What a symbolic timing for the departure of a man who is leaving us his legacy of joy and a lesson to savour the beauty of life while we still can.

He is survived by his brother and sister, Eli and Rachel Pichon; their children, his own children Einat Hashman, David Pitchon, and Erez Pitchon; seven grandchildren, Sarah Bernamoff and Mayah Bernamoff, Isaac Hashman and Gabrielle Hashman, Mykaela Pitchon, Alexxa Pitchon, Ora Chaya Pitchon and his great-grandson Jonah Bernamoff Glanville. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family in Canada, the US, and Israel. 

A Private Graveside Service was held at the Erlton Jewish Cemetery (Corner of Erlton Street and 30 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, September 9, 2021.

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