Harry Lester

Passed away suddenly on Saturday, March 1, 2025. He was 87 years old, born on August 30, 1938, in Belz, Poland. Harry was the devoted husband of Leah Simkin for 36 years and a loving father to Shira Lester (Leslie Silverstein) and Taali Lester (Bryan Tollman). He was a caring dad to Michael Simkin and Rebecca Simkin (the late François Gauvin). He was the brother of Irma Haines (Jack Haines) and Rita Lester. Harry was the adored grandfather of Sam Strelshik (Palmer Baranek), Dr. Dalya Cohen, Sarit Cohen (Avery Guerin), Gilli Cohen, Hannah Carlson (Andy Carlson), Sadie Tollman-Waisbren (Will Waisbren), Ruby Tollman, and Jacqueline Gauvin, and a proud great grandfather of Nancy Tollman and Asher Carlson. A Holocaust survivor, Harry emigrated to Montreal at the age of 11 with his parents and sisters. Harry was known for his kindness, warmth, decency, and willingness to always help anyone. He will be terribly missed by all who knew him. Graveside service on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Beth-El Congregation cemetery, 15718 County Road 2, Ingleside, ON K0C1M0. Montreal shiva Friends may phone to arrange to visit the family starting on Wednesday. Donations in Harry’s memory may be made to Holy Blossom Temple (416-789-3291 x 227), Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (416-864-9735 x 224), or Maison Shalom (514-738-8708).