George Nashen
It is with deep sorrow and much love that the family of George Nashen mourns his passing on Sunday, September 11, 2022, in his one hundredth year. He will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife and lifelong partner, Phyllis (Schertzer), and by his dedicated children and their spouses, Stan and Franci (Niznick), Barry, Jeff and Cheryl (Carpman), and Glenn and Judy (Hagshi), his adoring grandchildren, Jordan Nashen and Carmel Jacobson, Danielle Nashen and Matthew Tolchin; Blair Nashen and Stuart Marcus, Michael Nashen and Stephanie Faludi, Cory Nashen and Jessica Grostern; Nicole, Nathalie and Jeremy Nashen; his vivacious sister Elizabeth Goldman of Delray Beach, Florida and by his dear cousins, nieces, nephews and family members around the world, the Nachshen Family Circle, and his friends close to home. George was predeceased by his parents, Avrum and Manya Nachshen, his sister, Kate Brecher, and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Joseph Brecher, Marvin Goldman, Harry and Diane Schertzer, Edward and Eleanor Schertzer, Max and Pearl Schertzer.
George was born in Kishinev, Romania in 1923 and arrived in Canada later the same year. He attended Baron Byng High School and went on to study accounting, which was interrupted by his volunteer service in the Royal Canadian Air Force, at age 19. He was stationed at RCAF Overseas Headquarters in London, England for nearly three years until 1946 and reached the rank of sergeant.
Returning post-war, he co-founded Nash Shirt Limited, an important clothing manufacturer with a plant in St. Leonard D’Aston where hardly a family in the small town was not touched by the company. Their work in fashion reached from coast to coast. It was said that St. Leonard «outfitted Canada.» For 35 years they made uniform shirts worn by police officers, denim first worn by workmen and later by a younger generation of fashion-conscious teens and young adults carried in every major menswear store, department store and jean shop across Canada. He was so proud to have his sons join him in this great enterprise, so much so that he created a label known as ‘Georgies Boys’ featuring a dad and four sons.
George met Phyllis on a chance encounter in Boston, swept her off her feet and they married in 1951. They built their first and only home in Cote Saint-Luc in 1957 and became immersed and active in community life, serving on boards and committees from JPPS to Beth Zion Synagogue, Blossom Pool to the CSL Tennis Courts and B’nai Brith St-Laurent Lodge.
George loved to work and grow his business. He constantly traveled between his Montreal office and his plant in St. Leonard D’Aston. He forged wonderful, lasting relationships with customers, suppliers and employees, especially his dear cousin Issie Nachshen who managed the Montreal office.
Together with Phyllis they traveled the world. Retirement was busier than work with social gatherings, golf, squash, tennis, bowling and more. He brought the family to their summer vacations in Nantasket Beach, Massachusetts. He developed a love for the Laurentians and the family began spending weekends all together up north. George and Phyllis were so active wintering in south Florida keeping up a social calendar that was nothing short of dizzying.
The Cote Saint-Luc Men’s Club became a favourite pastime in the last many years as did the Cummings Centre for Jewish Seniors. George’s schedule was filled with lectures, events and outings and he developed new friendships and a weekly ‘Boys Breakfast Club’ that would last to the very end.
In 2020, George was presented with the D’Arcy-McGee Quebec National Assembly Citizenship medal and recognized for “outstanding achievement in community involvement”. The honour was presented by one of Canada’s finest military icons, Lt. Gen. Roméo Dallaire, who said, «You permitted peace to reign. You are one of our greatest elders. Well done, sir. I salute you. The medal is well deserved.»
As health issues grew, George’s visits to the JGH became regular outings, cause for expanding his network and for candy distribution to administrators, nurses, technicians, orderlies and, of course, his beloved doctors. He formed bonds with so many healthcare professionals who treated him with compassion, like family.
We extend grateful and heartfelt appreciation to his devoted caregiver Patricia Dell, who dedicated herself to George and Phyllis’s care day after day and to Betty Samuels, as well as to Jelissa, Susanna and Juliette. Thank you to his many doctors and allied health professionals at the Jewish General Hospital. Special recognition to Jodi Dibartolomeo, an extraordinary and compassionate Speech Pathologist and personal favourite of George.
George lived life to the fullest and fulfilled his dreams. In the last five years despite significant setbacks, he wanted nothing more than to dance with Phyllis at his grandchildren’s weddings and celebrate his last grandson’s Bar Mitzvah. He got to do all that and more. In the last hours he knew he would not be around to celebrate his 71st wedding anniversary with Phyllis on September 15, only to discover that his very last day with us, amazingly, was indeed his anniversary date on the Hebrew calendar. He achieved it all – with zest, courage, determination, stubbornness, humour, and mostly, with love.
Funeral service from Paperman & Sons, 3888 Jean Talon St. W., on Wednesday, September 14 at 11:00 a.m. Burial at the Beth Zion Congregation Section, Eternal Gardens Cemetery, Beaconsfield. Shiva at his son Jeff’s home. Contributions in his memory may be made to the “George and Phyllis Nashen Scholarship Fund” c/o JPPS-Bialik Foundation, (514) 731-3841 ext.: 263, or to the charity of your choice.
2022
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de George Nashen 2022..
Décès pour la Ville: Montreal, Province: Quebec