Peter Hechtman
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Dr. Peter Hechtman on Wednesday, March 4th, 2020 after a sixteen-year battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. He leaves behind his loving wife and soulmate, Dr. Lily Hechtman, his devoted sons and their wives, (Jeremy and Jen, and Kenneth and Wendy) and wonderful grandsons (Jacob and Jimi-T) and many cherished colleagues and friends.
Dr. Hechtman was an Associate Professor of Molecular Genetics at McGill University and did pioneering research in identifying the different genes involved in Tay-Sachs disease. He was also responsible for a province wide, high school screening program for the illness.
A true Renaissance man, he also loved literature and classics, and earned a second degree in these areas from Concordia University. Upon retirement, he continued these studies at McGill as a regular student, writing all required papers and exams. His keen mind and love of learning never left him and until his death, he wrote a book review column twice a month for The Connecticut Orange Times. As a legacy to his children and grandchildren, Peter published a memoir of his family history in « One Man’s Family ».
Dr. Peter Hechtman was born and raised in New York in a progressive, politically active family and was involved in the civil rights movement with Martin Luther King. He also headed « Our Generation Against Nuclear War » while a student at McGill. Dr. Hechtman was a founding member of Alliance Quebec and led the Snowden Chapter.
His generosity, unassuming warmth, breadth of knowledge and wonderful sense of humour endeared him to many. He travelled widely and had an impressive grasp of history, culture and mythology of the places visited. He was known in our group as the “Ministère de Voyage.” His determination to continue to do what he loved despite his illness, generated much admiration. People would applaud as he rode his bike with his oxygen supply in his basket.
We would like to thank Dr. Ronald Olivenstein and nurse Isabelle Drouin of the Montreal Chest Institute and Annie Proulx, respiratory therapist from Maisonneuve Rosemont Hospital, without whom these last sixteen years would not have been possible. We would also like to thank Lita Calicdan who has helped our family for over twenty years. In addition, we are grateful to our many devoted friends who visited Peter weekly during the last few months. This meant a great deal to him.
Funeral service from Paperman & Sons, 3888 Jean-Talon St. W., on Sunday, March 15 at 11:00 a.m. Shiva at his home, Sunday through Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Donations in his memory may be made to “Dr. Olivenstein’s Research Fund” c/o the Montreal Chest Institute of the MUHC, (514) 843-1543, the Pediatric Genetics Department c/o the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation, (514) 934-4846, or to the charity of your choice.
2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Peter Hechtman 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: Montreal, Province: Quebec