In Tribute to Dr. Marvin Tile z’l

In Tribute to Dr. Marvin Tile

Past President, Holy Blossom Temple Foundation

“Dr. Marvin Tile was a towering figure in the world of medicine, a pioneer in orthopaedic surgery, a teacher of generations, and a leader whose innovations at Sunnybrook Hospital continue to save and transform lives. He was admired across the globe for his brilliance and his vision. Yet what truly defined him was not only his contribution to medicine, but his humility, his devotion to family, and his ever-deepening relationship with Jewish life and community.” (Stephen Tile, excerpt from his eulogy)

Marvin never lost sight of the values taught to him by his father, Sam Tile: work hard, think before you speak, remain humble, and above all, love your family. His son, Stephen, reflected in his eulogy:
“He was a selfless warrior who only wanted the best for others. He asked for nothing in return – from anyone. As his world shrank in recent years and he got out less, he treasured every Shabbat, every Yom Tov, and every simcha. It is hard to imagine this Rosh Hashana or Pesach without him at the head of the table. But we will do our best.”

A central pillar of Marvin’s life was his remarkable partnership with his beloved Esther. Together they built a home, raised a family, and shared 71 years of unwavering devotion. Rabbi Samuel Kaye beautifully captured this love story:
“Everyone here knows how dedicated Marvin and Esther were to each other; they were the star around which the other orbited for 71 years. To leave the other’s side was unthinkable. To not share in the other one’s joy was impossible. No illness has ever dimmed the unshakable care – the true love – between them.”

Watch the touching video of Marvin and Esther’s 70th Anniversary Aliyah here: https://youtu.be/WOwqFuzQrhc

In his later years, Marvin experienced what his family called a transformation of spirit. The man who once worked tirelessly through the High Holy Days became a regular presence at Holy Blossom Temple services. Whether in person or, more recently, logging in online, he found joy, purpose, and community in prayer and reflection.

As Rabbi Yael Splansky recalled, Marvin’s Jewish identity was deeply bound up with his professional calling:
“In 1964, just before Marvin was appointed to Sunnybrook’s surgical staff, the Jewish refugee and theologian named Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, was invited to address the annual meeting of the American Medical Association. There he taught: “Medicine is prayer in the form of a deed.”

Over the years, Marvin came to the conclusion that as a man of science, he was also a man of faith. Just days ago, when I visited at his bedside, Marvin clarified further that he was not an atheist, but an agnostic – a Spinoza Jew. Marvin believed that to draw near to the natural world is to draw near to God. Dr. Tile devoted himself to the study of the natural world – its wonder, its brokenness, its repair. For him, these were religious acts. For him, “Medicine is prayer in the form of a deed.” For him, prayer prompted fixing, contributing, leading, loving. It’s no wonder that for a Sunnybrook plaque dedicated in honour of his leadership, Marvin chose the Hebrew words “Tikun Olam” – “To Mend the World.”

Today our sadness is overwhelming, but our gratitude overwhelms even our sadness. His memory will be for eternal blessing.