David Polger

July 1, 1938-October 19, 2026

Peacefully, on Monday October 19, 2026, at the age of 88 at Chateau Westmount nursing home, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease and cancer.

Beloved husband of Leona (née Yegendorf) for almost 60 years. Loving and devoted father of Mark (Keith) and Stephanie. Cherished zadie of Kalilah Handelman. Dear brother of Abby Polger (the late Siby) and Leiba Roth; and brother-in-law of the late Barbara and late Simon Abecassis, and Susan Yegendorf. Loving uncle of Beth, David, Michael, Robert, Allan, Marla, and Lorne. Son of the late Mac Polger and the late Anne Senzilet, and son-in-law of the late Moe Yegendof and the late Mary Zwecker. David also leaves many cousins who remember him with fond memories. Long time friend of Arnold Cohen, Howard Ross, the late Fred Caplan and Rella Caplan, Susan Spilkov and the late Julius Spilkov, the late Beatrice and the late Ezra Barzilai, the late Stacy Bank, the late Sheldon Gross, Sophie Krausz and the late George Krausz.

A devoted mensch with a sense of humour and kind nature, David had a laid back personality and an easy going demeanour. He was very sociable, friendly, and outgoing. He loved animals and nature. He had a career spanning 35 years of service at the National Film Board of Canada. He spent his life as a devoted husband to Leona and father to his two children. A people pleaser and loyal friend at heart, he was a “gentle giant” at 6 feet 6 inches tall, who enjoyed bowling, indulging in sweets, loved watching Judge Judy, and was devoted to volunteer work for the Knights of Pythias and Douglas Hospital. After retirement from the NFB in 1992, his second career was being a companion and driver to elderly clients.

Before falling ill, he was a robust man with a healthy appetite for food and a jovial zest for life. He enjoyed traveling to New York City to visit his son Mark. He and Leona enjoyed spending their winters in Deerfield Beach, Florida and summer vacations in Cape Cod. He will be deeply missed and remembered by family and friends. Thank you to the staff of Chateau Westmount, especially Karen Andrews, his angel, and Marie Rose, for their exceptional care and kindness.

Funeral service from Paperman and Sons, 3888 Jean-Talon St. W., on Wednesday, October 21 at 1:00 p.m. Burial at the Knights of Pythias Section, Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Duvernay. Shiva at his home. Donations in his memory may be made to the Jewish General Hospital Foundation at (514) 340-8251.