Dr. Sheldon (Shim) Brookman

October 28th, 1945 - February 6th, 2025

It is with a heavy heart that the Brookman Family shares the passing of Dr. Sheldon Brookman, our Dad, husband, brother, uncle, cousin – known to all who loved him by his Hebrew nickname, Shim--on February 6th at the age of 79.

Shim Brookman was loved by all and lived the way he died: Surrounded by family and love.

Born on October 28th, 1945, to Fanny and Louis Brookman in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Shim was the third of four fun and funny siblings: Murray Brookman (Myrna Clamen), Ralph Brookman (Shelly Stark), and Golda Kligman (Allan Kligman). They never took things too seriously; you had to be smart and quick to keep up with the jokes. He met Judy, the love of his life on August 17th 1965, and married her on August 17th, 1969. Their three kids were his pride and joy. Jason, Randi, and Cindy grew up knowing they could do anything because they had his support. He taught them love, patience, diligence, morality, empathy, creativity, mischief, physical comedy and bad dad jokes -- with his signature sparkle of joy in his eye. His two sons-in-law, Jacob Harris (Randi) and Lewis Kasner (Cindy) were considered his own children, and oh how he loved being a Saba/Zaidey to his six grandchildren:  Eliana, Nadav, and Nava (Jason); Marlowe (Randi & Jacob); Levi and Josephine (Cindy & Lewis)!

Shim studied Biochemistry at Sir George Williams University, Pharmacy at University of Montreal, followed by a Masters in Medicinal Chemistry and a PhD in Experimental Medicine and Surgery also at University of Montreal. Shim worked in clinical drug development in the pharmaceutical industry, designing and managing clinical trials. He was enormously proud of his work on major, life-saving medications he helped bring to market that changed the lives of millions of people around the world.

He travelled for his work throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America. When an interesting career opportunity came knocking in 1985, he moved his family from Montreal to “The States”  for an adventure spanning 4 decades, crisscrossing from New Jersey to Texas and back again - twice! - collecting many adoring friends along the way. 

Shim had many creative outlets and social pursuits to satisfy his curiosity and zest for life: Painting, sculpting with wood, crossword puzzles, baking (especially his famous pizza), and kibbitzing with his friends. He loved movies and tv, eating delicious things, and traveling with Judy to National Parks, beaches, and quaint towns.

Above all, he lived a life that was easy going and easy-making for those around him.

Shim beat so many odds, living for over a year and a half with Pancreatic Cancer (and beating it for under of a year), but when it came back Shim always said "it is what it is," and carried on the same as his regular steady and calm self.

Funeral will be held on Sunday, February 9th at 3:30 p.m. local time at Beth Jacob Cemetery, Houston, Texas. Shiva will be held in Houston at Shim and Judy's house. In Montreal, Murray and Ralph Brookman will be sitting Shiva at 5885 Cavendish blvd, Cote Saint-Luc starting Monday form 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. daily. Golda Kligman will be sitting Shiva on Wednesday through Friday in Highland Beach, Florida.

Donations in Shim's memory can be made to the Houston Hatzalah ambulance (who transported him many times like a friend giving him a ride), or to the 'Fanny and Louis Brookman Endowment Fund' c/o the Donald Berman Maimonides Foundation (Montreal): (514) 483-2121 ext. 72207 or click here.