In Memoriam: Dr. Bernard Tonchin was the ultimate engaged citizen

I was most saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Bernard Tonchin. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at Paperman and Sons at 2 pm.

Dr. Tonchin was the ultimate community activist and with his friend Irving Itman earned the title of “council regular.”  For decades he attended city council meetings and eagerly awaited his turn at public question period where he would passionately urge the mayor and council to move on all kinds of issues. He was very concerned about the extension of Cavendish Boulevard.

Dr. Tonchin and Mayor Mitchell Brownstein.

Dr. Tonchin, who retired a number of years ago from his dentistry practice, even tried to run for elected office once and challenged District 1 Councillor Isadore Goldberg. The latter turned out to be unbeatable anytime someone took him on, but Dr. Tonchin gave it a gallant try. Dr. Tonchin only missed council meetings when he travelled with his family. Otherwise he could always be counted on to keep us honest.  In recent years he had significant problems with his vision.  Whether it was his devoted wife Dorothy or Mr. Itman, he made sure to get a lift to City Hall. There were times when he would go to Montreal City Hall to champion a Côte Saint-Luc cause.

Soon after  I was first elected to city council more than 14 years ago I formed a communications committee. One of the focus items was to establish a naming policy for streets, parks and buildings. I called Dr. Tonchin and Mr. Itman and asked them each to be part of this process. They happily agreed. Who better than a couple of gentleman I lovingly referred to as “The Sunshine Boys”  to help us out?

I noticed lately that Dr. Tonchin was not attending council meetings. Now I know why. My deepest sympathies to his family,