In Memoriam: Fred Zemans z’l

In Memoriam: Fred Zemans z’l

By Mair Musafija

*Fred Zemans 1938-2025

I will attempt to outline a few snapshots of our Canadian life with Fred, our true friend, and our Canadian father and grandfather. Gentle and talkative, with boyish gestures, he always filled the room with his thoughts, often accompanied by laughter and, more frequently, tears of joy. His speeches about his wife, children, and friends were filled with admiration for their life achievements. His words were often intertwined with tears as they brought our circle closer, with Fred’s heart at its center.

We met soon after our arrival in November 1992. On Fred’s recommendation, I was invited to speak about the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina during an evening at Holy Blossom, hosted by Rabbi Marmur. I remember that the Jewish family who arrived at the same time as we did were invited to different synagogues, but Holy Blossom Temple felt like the right fit for many. In our case, Joyce and Fred were the primary reasons this place felt so welcoming. Later on, during the High Holidays, seeing Fred called to the bimah as the past President of Holy Blossom Temple was a highlight of these special days in the synagogue. The time to break the fast was always very special in the busy Zemans family home, filled with people, young and old, Jews and non-Jews, rich and poor, who would dress up for the occasion. I always felt that these occasions were moments of stepping up to the world, to a very special Canadian stage. Looking back, I admire Fred’s and Joyce’s effort to never forget to invite us. These invitations were our visa to a better life.

When Simeon was born in 1993, Fred came to congratulate us and told me that I was a rich man, blessed with three sons and a beautiful wife. As paradoxical as it sounded back then, it proved true, as we find ourselves surrounded by young people, their partners, and my grandchildren today. According to Fred, true wealth meant being surrounded by family and friends. My wife and I viewed Joyce and Fred as a model couple who built their world around them. People from all walks of life consistently showed their respect and affection toward the Zemans’ family, and we were fortunate to be included in their circle. We rubbed shoulders with their friends and family—from the Premier of Ontario to helpers in their kitchen, senior rabbis, well-known publishers, and famous sculptors—just two refugees from the war-torn country of Yugoslavia.

On the occasion of Fred’s retirement, I remember a colleague remarking that Fred was a law scholar rather than a lawyer.  It may be true, but in my life, he played the role of a lawyer. In one of my gigs, I almost got stiffed for a thousand dollars by the boss, who withdrew deductions from my salary, but when the time came, these deductions were nowhere to be found on my pay records. It looked hopeless, and I asked Fred what to do. He promptly offered to talk to the boss on my behalf. I passed it to the boss, who was surprised that I could get the lawyer so quickly. Fred called him and they talked briefly. The mission was accomplished—things turned in my favour. I felt empowered, almost as if I had money to pay the “true” lawyer.

Fred’s mission was to uplift and empower those he believed deserved a fair chance in life. The privilege he was born into was not something he wished to keep only for himself; instead, he dedicated himself to “tikkun olam”—repairing the world. This mission is an endless journey, just like the warmth of Fred’s presence in our lives, which will stay with us until our own lives come to an end.

Zichrono Livracha, my dear Fred!