Hyman Rissman

After 95 years on earth, Hy Rissman finally hung up his baseball cap.

He is survived by his (beyond) devoted wife, Gail, of 68 years, and by a tight-knit, loving family.

Like his stature, Hy had a big life. He was a son, brother, semi-pro baseball player, bartender, the first male Avon salesperson, university student, MVP hockey player — defenseman / enforcer, co-owner of a pizza restaurant, Big Brother, the first Jewish president of the Junior Ad and Sales Club, Seagram’s salesman, and the man who orchestrated Jackie Robinson’s registration as an honorary citizen of Montreal.

He was also a husband, insurance salesman, golfer, father, volunteer in the Israeli army, avid traveller, amazing father-in-law, grandfather, devoted Expos fan and statistician of all things baseball, empathetic volunteer, great-grandfather, rule breaker and non-conformist.

Most of all, Hy was a gem of a man. He lived life on his own terms, guided by his values, his curiosity and above all, his love for his family.

He leaves behind a remarkable legacy — and a lot of stories.

Graveside service on Tuesday, September 22 at 1:00 p.m. at the Young Israel of Montreal Congregation Section, Kehal Israel Cemetery, D.D.O. Shiva at his home Tuesday following burial until 4:00 p.m., Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.