Yehouda Leon Chaki

Dorothy Zalcman Howard and Steve Howard - 18 days ago

Dear Grace and Family, our hearts break for you at this time of unbearable sorrow. Many mourn dear Chaki, but his loss is most brutal for you. Your family tributes at the funeral were very moving, dignified, and understated, a testament to the sweet integrity of your precious husband, father, and grandfather. I had the great joy and privilege of visiting Chaki in his studio with David Birnbaum, and honouring Chaki in Quebec City and Ottawa. Dear Grace, the two of you were so beautiful together. May all of your descendants be blessed with such happy unions, and may his memory forever bring inspiration and love. Dorothy and Steve

Jacky Saleh and Robert Shapiro and Family - 21 days ago

Dear Grace, Lisa, Adam & Families- our sincerest condolences on your great loss. Chaki was so full of life and light and his art will be his forever legacy. Sending love and a big hug. Jacky, Robert & the girls

Esther Topaz - 21 days ago

My deepest sympathies to the family, so very sorry for your great loss. His beautiful paintings will live on for ever.

Dale and Nat Boidman - 22 days ago

Dear Grace and family, It was with deep sadness that we heard of Chaki"s passing. With his gentle spirit and wonderful creativity he brought art to so many people world wide. We are fortunate to be one of those families who treasure his work. May the memories you have bring you blessings always. BDE Dale and Nat

Hazel Cooper Bramson - 22 days ago

Dear Grace, A voice from your distant past sending condolences to you and your family on the loss of Chaki. Your quotes about Chaki in the Gazette article read like the Gracie I remember… a beautifully descriptive tribute to someone special. Hazel Cooper Bramson Chicago (environs)

Vivienne Saleh - 23 days ago

Dear Grace and Family, My deepest condolences on your great loss. Love Vivi

Michael Bloom - 23 days ago

Grace and family - My father, the late Zev Bloom, z"l and mother, the late Corinne Bloom, z"l, always talked about Yehouda and treasured the original art that he gifted them. It was always a highlight of our family trips in Montreal when I was a kid to see Yehouda and you. I last saw him in the mid-80s when I was completing my doctorate at McGill and he gave me posters of his artwork that I proudly now hang in my Chicago home. May his memory be for a blessing!

David Abrams - 24 days ago

Dear Gracie and family, I am so sorry to hear of Chaki’s passing. He was an incredible man. It was always a pleasure seeing him and talking with him. May your memories of a lifetime together be a comfort during this difficult times.

Neil Aronoff - 24 days ago

Dear Grace, Adam, Lisa and family, Lucas and I watched the service online and listened to the heartfelt tributes. We send our deepest condolences and reflect on the memories over the many years, especially how you and Chaki welcomed Lucas during his first Montreal visit and first Passover dinner at your house back in 2012. Sending our love from Toronto!

Ros Shaanan - 24 days ago

Dear Grace and family, I was so sad to hear about Chaki. I remember so many wonderful evenings spent with both of you and Peter and Yvette. I know their friendship with Chaki meant so much to them.

Alanna Elias (Canadian Hadassah-WIZO) - 24 days ago

Our heartfelt condolences to the family. Chaki was a contributing artist to the CHW Annual Art Auction for decades and we are proud to have honoured him in 2009. He was a kind and generous man and we are saddened by his passing. 

Mark Rosenstein - 24 days ago

Dear Gracie, so sorry to learn of the passing of Chaki, your great love. I remember the depth of the feelings and passion you had for each other way back in those early days in Paris over 60 years ago and then, undiminished, all along the road of life that you travelled together. What a ride! How devoted you were! What a legacy he leaves! Bluma and I offer you and your family our heartfelt condolences. Mark Rosenstein

Olga - 24 days ago

Dear Grace, I am very sad to know that Chaki left us. I am happy that I had the opportunity to get acquainted with such an unusually talented artist, to see how he works, to see his work. Chaki is an unusual person, his knowledge of what was happening in the world, erudition made him a respected, valuable interlocutor. His inner world, emotional, drawn by sprayed colors, was preserved in his paintings. The loss of such an artist is irreparable. Chucky loved, adored his family. Take my deep condolences to you and your big friendly family. Chaki is alive in our hearts, while we are alive, in his paintings - forever. Olga

Peter Hoffer - 24 days ago

Chaki, a wonderful Cosmic Sage who's paintings paralleled his persona. Playful and with a child-like simplicity, he broke the trends and academic rules with poetic ease. It was always a pleasure to sit with Chaki and be inspired by his optimism and stories of his experiences. Chaki made me realize Art can be playful and not always serious. Thanks Nick and Dale, as well as Aldo and Dianne for introducing me and bringing us together for drinks and dinners. Even in his difficult moments, Chaki found inspiration and maintained a positive spirit. To Grace, Adam, Isaac as well as the rest of Chaki's family, my heartfelt condolences.

Lynn Butler-Kisber - 24 days ago

Dear Grace and family, We are so saddened by the loss of Chaki. He touched so many far and wide with his gentle spirit and wonderful creativity. Please accept our deepest condolences. Our thoughts are with you. Lynn and Stephen Kisber and family

Gloria Bass - 24 days ago

Dear Grace, Lisa, Adam and Aronoff family, Richard and I are deeply saddened to hear the news of Chaki’s passing. He was a very special friend to me, ever since we met over 40 years ago when we were both teaching at the Saidye Bronfman Centre. Over the years and many events, our families were always happy to see each other. I look up at Chaki from my desk at work every day and in several rooms at home. Now his work holds a very special bond for me. All our love, Gloria and Richard

Arlene Brownstein Chinks - 25 days ago

Grace, we wanted to send you our deepest condolences on the loss of Chaki. We have many fond memories of you and your family which we were blessed to share with you along with Morris and Judy. It was always exciting to see you two at the soccer games as well. Chaki was such a talented artist. I am particularly happy that he lived to be honoured with an exhibition recently at the MMFA. We wish you, Lisa and Adam to be comforted by your wonderful memories and the love that you shared. He will live on in your hearts and in his art. Thinking of you , The Chinks Family

Howard & Amalia Reisman - 25 days ago

Dear Grace, We are so very sorry to hear of Chaki’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. Chaki’s work will live on with us for generations. Howard and Amalia Reisman

Lillian Vineberg-Goodman - 25 days ago

Dear Grace, Sad for you, grateful Chaki is at peace. Chaki was a wonderful person and so full of life in spite of his challenges. That energy burst out in his artwork in vibrant colour and form. When he dealt with our historical demons, his blacks and greys had the energy to move us. My thoughts are with you and the family.

Geraldo Pace - 25 days ago

Dearest Gracie, I am so very saddened and yet relieved. He suffered so long. Every time I saw Chaki he reminded me how cruel this disease was. But in spite of it all, he always kept his spirit up . When you can't do what you love anymore, you move on. Somehow I believe we all have a purpose on this planet and Chaki certainly served that purpose well. MEMORIES are what one leaves behind , whether they are in the form of love, art, music, philosophy ,poetry, politics, medicine, religion, business, and so on. Memories are our legacy, they are what the people we leave behind will remember. Chaki has left us all with wonderful moments and he was always a true inspiration to be with. I truly believe he is now living in his paintings somewhere and he is now also living in our memories of him. He will always be in my Heart. Amore , Geraldo.

Susan Heden - 25 days ago

My deepest sympathy to the Chaki and Aronoff families. Chaki was a special man and artist and I remember him back to the “ Vendome” days living with the Aronoff family. May all your family memories bring you comfort at this time.

Annette Wolfstein-Joseph - 25 days ago

It was a great honour to have been on the faculty of the Saidye Bronfman Centre when Chaki was there. He had a presence that lit up a room just by his entering it and an infectious enthusiasm and sense of humour. He will be missed by so many whose lives he touched. Sincere condolences to the family.

melanie malus - 25 days ago

sincere sympathies to all of Chaki's loved ones, Melanie Malus and Joseph Abramowitz

Pearl Levy - 25 days ago

I do not know where to start. Chaki was me of my first teachers in art. His teaching carried through to my sculptures. His love for you, Grace was beyond words. I shall never forget this wonderful man. Please accept my deepest condolenced. May his memory give you peace always. Fondly, Pearl Levy

John Daniel - 25 days ago

Oh my Gracie. Chaki was and will always remain a very special person to me. His strong drive and gracious but convincing personality created powerful and positive influences on many who came into contact with him. His expressiveness and his colours are a gift that will always remain with me. Isabelle and I offer our deepest condolences to and to your family.

José and Bill Campbell - 25 days ago

Our most sincere sympathy is extended at this time to Grace and her family. We treasure our two books containing an outstanding collection of Chaki's works which will now be even more meaningful as we again review the wonderful legacy he has left us.

Paige McLachlan - 25 days ago

Dear Gracie, My heart is with you and the family. I am so grateful for the wonderful years I spent with Chaki, the warmth and love from you and the family were an added privilege to working with him. A dear friend, father-figure, mentor, fortune-teller, partner-in-crime prankster, Chaki was incapable of leaving those he came in contact with unchanged. A fire-cracker full of life. His love for you and the family was boundless, watching his face light up when speaking of you and the kids (even in moments of frustration) was almost like a little inside-joke. His eyes would get that twinkle or the little smirk would come out. I hope you hold onto that through this difficult time. Chaki truly was family for me, there is not a day that goes by where I don't see or feel his influence. My thoughts and love are with you.

Susan Bracken - 25 days ago

My deepest sympathy for the loss of such an amazing person. My condolences to the family!

George and Dorothy Rosenberg - 25 days ago

ברוך דיין אמת How sad! Wonderful personal and artistic memories going back more than 60 years - Paris, Montreal, Israel. But how gratifying that he will continue to live on in our home here in Israel and my office here through his colors and paints. Gracie - may you only have good tidings in the future.

Elisabeth and Odon Wagner - 26 days ago

Dearest Grace, Elisabeth and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear Chaki. We will miss him very much, miss his smile, his wonderful personality, the visits to his studio, the laughter, the energy and most of all his splendid creativity. Our thoughts are with you and we are distraught that we are unable to come to Montreal to say the last farewell due to our departure to Europe tomorrow night. I am honoured that I have been able to record my sincerest admiration of Chaki, the artist, in my interview with Josh. This October will be 10 years since we dined together in a Toronto restaurant where I had the pleasure to sketch Chaki, a sketch which I spotted in your living room during my last visit, a sketch which you described as "capturing the essence of the man I love!"...... Elisabeth and I embrace you dear Grace, Odon

Shari FLEMING - 26 days ago

Dear Lisa and family, I had the privilege many years ago of visiting your dad in his studio and listening to him describe certain pieces to me. Sending you my deepest condolences and thinking of you during this very sad and difficult time.

Susan and Philip Gordin - 26 days ago

Dear Gracie, Lisa and Adam, We were so sad to learn about the passing of Chaki. Our most heartfelt condolences to all of you. Our thoughts are with you. Your cousins, Susan and Philip Gordin.

Irene and Stephen - 26 days ago

Dear Grace, and Chaki and Aronoff Families I first met Chaki in Paris in 1961 as a struggling, impoverished artist. Grace introduced us and and was his muse and rock for the next 62 years. We extend deepest sympathies at the loss of our dear Chaki; he will remain alive for us through the beautiful Chaki paintings that adorn our home.

David Birnbaum - 26 days ago

Dear Gracie, Lisa and Adam, So sad to learn of dear Chaki’s passing. One of my earliest childhood memories is of Chaki joyously discovering snow for the first time at our country house in Sainte-Sauveur, not long after arriving in North America with Gracie, his new bride. I’m so proud to have presented along with him to Québec’s National Assembly a work from his ‘Mi Makir’ series. It still hangs there, with its universal message of pain, hope, humanity and love that Chaki instilled in each of us who knew him. May your memories be a comfort.

Pierre Coupey - 26 days ago

Dear Grace, Hannah, and all the family, please accept our deepest condolences. It was heartbreaking to hear the news from Hannah today, and my heart aches for the loss of such a wonderful artist and friend. Chaki was a great friend to me, even from across the country, and supported my work with such great generosity from the very beginning. Both Patti and I wish we could be in Montreal for the service in person, but events here in Vancouver preclude, including a memorial for another dear friend at which I must speak. I will attend via the link, and send our love and deepest sympathy. Pierre & Patti

Shelley and Jonathan Schneiderman - 26 days ago

Deeply saddened to learn of Chaki’s passing. We treasure his beautiful paintings which adorn our walls and connects us to generations past. הַמָּקוֹם יְנַחֵם אֶתְכֶם בְּתוֹךְ שְׁאָר אֲבֵלֵי צִיּוֹן וִירוּשָׁלַיִם

Peter and Miriam Safran - 26 days ago

Dear Grace and family, Deepest sympathy on a true artist ,mentor and family man. It has been my honour to be the president of both Adath Israel and the House of Israel ,both of which have the most magnificent stained glass windows created by the master himself. These stories of our Jewish heritage will be an everlasting memory. May you be spared further sorrow.

Mark and Gloria Segal - 26 days ago

Dear Grace and Chaki/Aronoff families, We were so deeply saddened to learn this afternoon of Yehuda’s passing. Our memories go back to the beginning on Avenue Vendome g when Yehuda first came to Canada, and all the good times we spent together over the years loving his work and making many photographs. I still have in my archives the photos from those days, and some Chaki masterpieces adorning our walls, which we will always cherish. Our paths moved off in different directions over the years as my professional life took our family to remote lands over some decades. When we settled in Toronto some 20 years ago, we had so much pleasure reconnecting at the periodic vernissages of Chaki’s latest works at Odon Wagner Gallery. So the Chaki and Aronoff families have been in our hearts and minds for the better part of a lifetime and will continue to be so. We wish you all the very best through this difficult time; we know life will not be the same without him, but the memories and his great artistic achievements will be a living testimony to a great life and a great contributor to the artistic landscape in Canada and abroad. Mark and Gloria Segal, Toronto September 5th, 2023

Galerie St-Laurent Hill - 26 days ago

Dearest Grace and Family, we are so very sorry to hear of your loss. What a force! In life and in art, Chaki moved us all. Please accept our deepest sympathies and may the strength of family and your memories see you though this difficult time. Much love, Pierre Luc, Jody and team

isaac alt - 26 days ago

Dear Chaki Family, the community and the world lost a great and original artist. My sincere condolences. I was a student and long time friend of Chaki and treasure his advice and free spirit. His art will live on and also many good memories.

Bunny Lechter - 26 days ago

Dear Grace, I am so saddened to learn of Chaki’s passing. I know how vital you were to him and his art. I send you and your family my deepest condolences, and his art shines here as will his memory, with respect, fondly, Bunny.

Linda Hazen - 26 days ago

I met and got to know Chaki many years ago when I worked at Waddington. A few years later, he was one of my teachers at the Saidye where we talked of painting and barbuna. I will always think of him fondly. I send my sincere condolences to his family.

Dan & Joy Kucer - 26 days ago

Gracie, we are so very sorry for your loss, a very special man. His memory especially will live on for generations in his work.

Glenda Falovitch - 26 days ago

Dear Grace, I had the honor of meeting and working with Chaki and you "graced" me with your presence during our regular visits. He entertained me with his singing and stories. He was a special man who loved his craft and you always let him shine. My heartfelt condolences to you and the family. I will remember him fondly. Glenda

Victor Salem - 26 days ago

Dear Moshe and Family: My deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved brother. Over the years I had the opportunity to meet Yehouda. An accomplished painter whose work will live on. May your fond memories sustain you at this difficult time. Rest in Peace. Victor Salem

Mireille Silcoff - 27 days ago

Deepest sympathy to the family of yehouda chaki. My his memory be a blasting

Carol Koffler - 27 days ago

So so sorry to hear the news. My condolences to the Aronoff Family. He and I had many artistic adventures together at the Shaar. H will be sorely missed.