Nathan Bernstein

What can you say about a legend? The truth is that in 102 years, we are grateful that so little was left unsaid - either by Nat or by those of us that loved him. While we take our time to mourn privately as a family, we are also privileged to be celebrating such an accomplished, remarkable life.

Born in 1924 in Montreal, Nat grew up the middle of three brothers, with all of them taking turns helping to work their father’s news stand at Windsor station. A workaholic from his earliest years, his mother forced him on a blind date where he met Edith, his late wife of 61 years. Working three jobs, Nat fell asleep on the first date. She married him anyway. 

He also learned the knitting trade from a friend and, at the insistence of his mother, launched his business, Highland Knitting Mills. Nat worked tirelessly to grow the business, and is still recognized today as an internationally-renowned sweater designer and manufacturer. 

Nat slowed little in retirement. In 1974 he and Edith moved to his second home of Freeport, Bahamas, where he was active with the Masonic lodge and with the Luis de Torres synagogue. He travelled actively between Freeport, West Palm Beach, and Toronto to see his family until his late 90s. His surviving friends will remember him as a born raconteur, lover of bad jokes, and a passionate golfer. 

Nat was proud of his role as an industry leader and visionary, but his true pride was his family. His brother Norman, sons Jack and Terry, their wives Ester and Susan, his grandchildren Erica (Craig), Steven, Shaun (Shanondoah), and Alexis (Stewart), and his great grandchildren Emmet and Leo, were his greatest joys. We are all immensely grateful to his team of caregivers, who gave him a dignity and quality of life these last few years that he would not have had otherwise. He has left each of us with enough stories to last several lifetimes. 

Burial will take place in Montreal and Shiva will be observed privately. Donations in memory of Nat can be made to a charity of your choice or to the Sunnybrook Hospital Foundation (416) 480-4483 or click here. Better yet, have a l’chayim and tell a story in his honour.