Stanley Stan PLOTNICK (1941 - 2024)
Stan was a businessman, a communal leader, a great friend to many, a passionate traveler and golfer and, above everything else, he embraced and cherished his family. He constantly expressed his gratitude that he enjoyed a wonderful life, being blessed with incomparable love from Barbi, his daughter Laurie and son-in-law Max Reim, son Philip and daughter-in-law Bonnie Zelman, and grandchildren Josh, Erin, Samantha and Matthew. Stan was fortunate to have shared many wonderful times, and a large part of his business life, with his brother Larry and his sister-in-law Jane, and memorable occasions with Gerald and Mary Jean Klempner, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law. He had great love for his nephew Michael and other nieces and nephews, Oren, Lisa and Stephen, and Stephen and Susan. He was thankful to have Rawlda as part of the family for over forty years.
Stan had wonderful memories of his childhood because of the love, guidance and devotion of his late parents, Gertrude and Henry Plotnick, and throughout his life he was guided by their example of hard work, honesty, integrity and commitment. His life was balanced between family, businesses, dedication to his community and Israel, and of course, his many friends… all of which contributed to his happiness.
Stan’s only regret was that he would never live long enough to get enough of the excitement and total enjoyment that he had with Barbi, for whom his love was unbounding, and that they shared with their family and friends from around the world. He also wished that he could have seen all the developments that were sure to evolve over the coming years, as he was constantly intrigued by the latest in technology, medicine and politics, and always imagined what the future would bring. Finally, he often thought about the future of his much-loved grandchildren and hoped the lives of his children and grandchildren would be as happy as his.
Stan always worked hard and, as a result, enjoyed notable success. He graduated at the top of his class at both McGill and MIT and built several successful businesses. He had the privilege of being the President of Solomon Schechter Academy, the Bronfman Education Center (JEC), Federation CJA, UIA-JFC Canada, and the Jewish General Hospital. Stan also chaired many organizations including the Montreal and National March of the Living. He also served on the executive board of many international organizations, including Keren Hayesod and the JDC. He received the Distinguished Leadership Award (Federation CJA), the Distinguished Service Award (Jewish General Hospital), the Samuel Bronfman Medal (Federation CJA), the Yakir Award (Keren Hayesod), the Lifetime Achievement Award (JNF) and Outstanding Montrealer (Israel Bonds).
It was Stan’s expressed wishes to include the following, “nothing compared to my pride in my wife, children, and their incredible professional and personal achievements, and most of all, their honesty, integrity, and full-hearted commitment to everything that they do. My hope is that their children will follow their example.”
He and his family are deeply grateful for all the medical support he had during this difficult time; with special mention of Dr. Albert Cohen and Dr. Petr Kavan who provided never-ending attention, availability, and guidance throughout his difficult journey. Thank you to the amazing Joussy Mikhail who was there day and night, and to the incredible healthcare teams at the Jewish General Hospital who made Stan’s constantly changing and unpredictable health conditions easier to accept. And of course, to his dear friend, Dr. Issie Weissglas, and his daughter, Dr. Laurie Plotnick, for all their advice, explanations, and encouragement.
Above all, Stan had the deepest love and gratitude for Barbi, who made him want to continue living… simply to have more time with her.
Funeral service from Paperman & Sons, 3888 Jean Talon St. W., on Wednesday, February 21 at 12:00 noon. Burial at the Congregation Shaar Hashomayim Cemetery, 1250 Ch de la Forêt, Outremont. Shiva private. Donations in Stan’s memory may be made to the Jewish General Hospital Foundation, (514) 340-8251.
