Dr. Stephen Harry Fichman

Peacefully, on Monday, October 5, 2026, surrounded by his large, loving and devoted family. 

Steve was predeceased by his beloved wife, Marilyn Tietolman, with whom he shared a beautiful marriage of 50 years. He leaves behind his children, Ina Fichman, Natalie & Howard Stern, and Laura & Jeff Beraznik, as well as his cherished grandchildren Joshua, Jacqueline, Michael & Lawrence, and Daphne & Zack. Brother-in-law of Aura Tietolman, Maurice & Jodie Tietolman, Enid & Carl Backman, Paul Tietolman, and Angela Tietolman. 

In 2012, Steve found love again and in 2015, he married Susan Cohene, and they began a wonderful new chapter. Susan and Steve were “stuck” and shared in their love of art, music, travel, food and wine. Most importantly, they respected each other and made each other laugh. Steve was also the proud stepfather to Elizabeth Cohene & Randy Waxman, Victoria Cohene & Jason Dolman, Katherine Cohene & Steven Lowi, Richard Cohene & Joanne Ezer and Arthur Cohene & Jessica Perez and he enriched all of their lives with his kindness, warmth and humour. Steve was a cherished Zaidie to Joy, Ray & Nate, Lindsay, Benjamin & Ella, Henry & Sophie, and Asher & Samuel and he had a special bond with each of them. His family brought Steve enormous pride and joy, and the relationships he built with his children, stepchildren, and grandchildren were central to his life. We will all miss Steve so much.

Steve was also a highly respected ophthalmologist and devoted over 50 years to the care of others, both in the private and public sector. He was a pioneer in his field and over the course of his remarkable career, he touched the lives of more than 30,000 patients. Medicine was more than a profession for Steve, it was a lifetime of service and an opportunity to make a meaningful difference for his patients and in the field, more broadly. 

That same spirit of generosity extended well beyond Steve’s work. He was extraordinarily philanthropic and believed in the importance of giving back to important institutions and causes. Among other charities, he generously supported universities in Israel and the establishment of a bursary fund for the jazz program at the Université de Montréal. Also, as a passionate collector of art, Steve believed that art should be shared and enjoyed by others. Over the years, he amassed a unique collection of Japanese art and made a generous donation to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, allowing them to curate their own Japanese collection in Steve’s name. 

Steve had a lifelong passion for golf, jazz, art, and travel. He often shared stories of his travels with family, his time on the golf course with friends and of the Jazz concerts he attended. But most of all, he relished in spending time with his close family and his large circle of friends. He loved entertaining and sharing stories and never missed an opportunity to be with those he loved and who loved him right back. 

Steve lived a long, full, and remarkably generous and beautiful life. His legacy lives on in the tens of thousands of patients he cared for, the students and institutions he supported, the love of art he shared with his community, and, most importantly, in the family and friends he loved so dearly. 

The family would also like to extend their gratitude to all of the wonderful caregivers who stood by Steve’s side when he needed some extra care and attention. You are all amazing people with huge hearts. 

Steve will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. 

Funeral service from Paperman and Sons, 3888 Jean-Talon St. W., on Wednesday, October 7 at 1:00 p.m. Burial at the Dorshei Emet Reconstructionist Congregation Section, Eternal Gardens Cemetery, Beaconsfield. Shiva at his home. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation in Steve’s name to the Cummings Centre at 514-734-1825 or click here