In Memoriam: Bob Feldstein and Rose Itman

Two outstanding citizens of Côte Saint-Luc passed away very recently. One, Bob Feldstein, had a fairly high profile in the community as a war veteran; the other, Rose Itman, was the wife of one of our city's most devoted civic activists – Irving Itman.

I knew Bob Feldstein (pictured on the right with members of council)  for many years. On more than one occasion he kept me enthralled with his amazing war stories. Here in Cöte Saint-Luc Bob devoted his life to the Brigadier Kisch Branch # 97 of the Canadian Legion. The annual VE Day Commemoration in May was a magic date on Bob's calendar. He would plan for it most of the year and proudly serve as master of ceremonies. Soon after this year's event Bob found out he had a brain tumour. It was one battle he could not win. We salute you Bob!

I did not know Rose Itman well. But her husband Irving is no stranger to any one of us on city council. The turnouts at our public meetings are not very significant unless there is a hot button issue. Nonetheless, year after year, Irving Itman is regularly in attendance, so much so in fact that if we have a change in the schedule we call him. When I was elected I even invited Irving to be part of one of my committees.

You cannot devote the time Irving does to community affairs without support at home. Rose was Irving's devoted partner for 43 years and the adoring mother of Arie, a young lawyer. The last time I saw  Irving and Rose together was at the 2007 Volunteer Recognition Evening. They looked like they were still on their honeymoon as they lit up the dance floor. This was a true love story.

Last year Irving called me with the bad news that Rose had been diagnosed with cancer. He wanted me to know that he would be by her side every step of the way and this might mean he'd be missing some meetings.

Our hearts and thoughts are with the Itman and Feldstein families. May they be spared further sorrow.