Dov (Robert) Okouneff

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Robert (Dov) Okouneff, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the age of ninety-four, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his loving wife Lea, his daughters Michal, Orna (Josh), and Sharon, his grandchildren Amalia (Noah), Jordan, and Jonathan (Mika), and his great-grandson Milo. Dov will be missed by his family, friends, and all those who knew him. Much gratitude to Christopher, Marvin, and Vivian for their companionship and devotion.

Dov was born seeing the world as a palette of color. He found beauty in nature, in art, in people, in everything. In later years, he would spend nearly every day with his easel and brushes, creating art and nourishing his soul. He adored his art teacher at the Cummings Center, and in his 80s made a documentary about her: The Wonder and Amazement – Rita Briansky on her Life in Art. In earlier years, he documented the history of the local Jewish community with his films: Montreal Jewish Memories – The 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s, and A New Life on the Land – Jewish Farmers in Canada.

Dov was an avid reader, a dreamer, and an eternal optimist. If he could, he would have lived forever. In his final months, he was planning on making a movie called A Movie About Happiness.

Funeral service from Paperman & Sons, 3888 Jean Talon St. W., on Sunday, September 21 at 2:00 p.m. Burial at the Farband Labour Zionist Organization Section, Kehal Israel Cemetery, D.D.O. Shiva at his home Sunday following burial until 9:00 p.m., Monday from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Due to the advent of Rosh Hashana, Shiva ends Monday evening. Donations in Dov’s memory may be made to Canadian Friends of Peace Now: click here.