Simon Shatzky

It is with immense sadness that we share that Simon “Simmie” Shatzky of Montreal passed away peacefully in his 87th year on October 6th, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. 

Beloved husband of nearly 53 years of Gaetane Michelle Shatzky; father of Lisa (Don), Jamie (Leslie), Andrea (Lou), and Melanie (Brian); grandfather of Jordyne (Alex), Benji, Kaytlan, Jonah, and Jacob; brother of Allan and Michael (Sylvia). Dear uncle, cousin and friend to many.

Simon was born on November 9th, 1939 to Sarah and Issie Shatzky in Montreal. After graduating from high school, Simon channelled his driven spirit into entrepreneurship, taking over Emergency First Aid, a first aid supply company. As owner and president, he dedicated 45 years to building the business and supplying first aid kits across Canada. He was deeply charismatic, absolutely loved his work, and travelled the world extensively to grow the business he was so proud of.

Beyond his career, he had an infectious love of life. He was fearless and headstrong and tender and forgiving all at once. He loved good food, good books, good movies, good conversations, golf, hockey, animals, nature, and especially the old streets and corridors of his beloved Montreal. He lived by a true “carpe diem” philosophy, approaching every single day with an enduring “be here now” spirit. He was a storyteller and a lifelong learner, always curious and engaged with everything around him. Known for his sharp humour, strong opinions, generosity and mischievousness, he brought warmth and laughter (and the occasional headache) to those he met, truly squeezing the joy out of every moment. Even in his final months in hospital, he made connections with everyone and grabbed every moment to have a conversation, share a joke, or sing a favourite song. A born provocateur, he took great delight in declaring, ”I don’t get stressed, I give stress!”

He was simply the best father anyone could ever have. A devoted man who served as mountain and rock, he was the heart of the family. He possessed a beautiful largeness of life, celebrated a diversity of opinions, and took tremendous pride in raising strong children.   

We extend a wholehearted thank you to Simon's exceptional care team including Dr Zylbergold, Dr Shum-Tim, Dr Rajan, Dr Kassouf, Dr Steinmetz, Dr Klein; the excellent nurses, aides and staff at the Royal Victoria, Jewish General, and Mount Sinai hospitals; the kindhearted Peggy Johnson and deeply compassionate personal support workers Nike, Doris and Reymundo of Paraide; the caring Aline Riziki and staff of the CLSC; and finally to the tireless and ever-helpful pharmacists and staff at the Sargon Melki Proxim pharmacy.

Funeral service from Paperman and Sons, 3888 Jean-Talon St. W., on Friday, October 16th at 11:00 a.m. Burial at the Temple Emanu-El section, Eternal Gardens Cemetery, Beaconsfield. Shiva strictly private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cedars Cancer Centre (514) 934-1934 ext. 31666 or click here.