Michael Ruben

Michael Ruben was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1932. In 1943, he ran for his life with his family through the streets of Copenhagen, escaping Nazi persecution and reaching safety in Sweden. He remained there for two years before returning to Copenhagen at the end of the war.

He later emigrated to North America, living in Baltimore, then New York, and eventually settling in Montreal. By trade, Michael was a bookbinder. In his 30s, he discovered a passion for music, which he pursued for the next 60 years. He performed as a cantor and musician @  Expo 67 at the World’s Fair in Montreal, played guitar and sang for the Israeli athletes at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, and sang at many Soviet Jewry rallies.

Michael is survived by his sons, Murray and Jonathan (Christelle); his grandchildren, Amanda (Shua), Tamar (Chaim), Talia, and Samuel, and 10 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Ethel, who resides in Copenhagen. He was predeceased by his beautiful daughter, Cheryl.

Sincere thanks to the Mount Sinai Palliative Care team, led by Dr. Golda Tradounsky, and to Hélène Plouffe at Le Waldorf, for their care and support.

Funeral at 3:00 p.m., on Sunday, February 8 at the Beth Tzedek Memorial Park 5822 Bathurst Street. Shiva will be observed at Jonathan’s home Monday through Thursday, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Services will be held at 8:00 p.m. Observances will also take place in Tel Aviv and Copenhagen.