It is with deepest and profound sadness that I announce the sudden passing of my dearest husband, David Robert Weiner on Monday, December 18, 2017 in Naples, Florida, the place he LOVED. David is the son of the late Edith and Bernard Weiner. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Regine; brother, Dr. Joel Weiner (Linda) of Edmonton; his son, Mischa Weiner (Vanessa); his stepsons, Robert Stocki (Chantalle) and Christopher Stocki (Annie); his grandchildren, Sophia, Emma, Naomi and Gavie, who affectionately called him “dziadziu” (grandfather in Polish); brother-in-law to Ted Gardzinski (deceased)(Anna), Christine Fras George, deceased), Adam Gardzinski (Ewa), Anna Fairbrother (Wayne), Elizabeth Gardzinski Murray (deceased); uncle to Philip Weiner, Isaac Weiner, Paul Gardzinski, Anthony Banka (Beata), Fr. Matthew Gardzinski, Peter Gardzinski (Karolina), Teresa Wachon (Andy), Barbara Martin (Andrew), Tom Gardzinski (Kamerin), Michael Gardzinski (Amy), Katie Stajan (Matt) and Jimmy Fairbrother; many cousins and friends in Canada, Poland, USA, Japan, China, India, Singapore and Israel. David, born on April 26, 1951, grew up in Outremont, Montreal, P. Q. He studied psychology at McGill and earned an MBA from the Ivey Business School. He had a lifelong addiction to ham radio and often collaborated with his brother, Joel. His short stature was compensated by a commanding presence and sharp oratorical skills. These attributes would serve him well throughout a highly distinguished career. David was one of Canada’s pre-imminent professional communicators. Fluent in English and French, his early career involved conducting publicity for Centaur Theatre in the Eastern Townships in Quebec. In 1986, Luc Beauregard, founder of NATIONAL Public Relations, invited David to launch the firm’s Toronto office alongside Edward Gould. David worked at NATIONAL as a Senior Partner and the leader of the Toronto’s office Corporate Communications practice. He was a trusted adviser to many of Canada’s most renowned business leaders and was one of the country’s top crisis managers. David had an eye for talent and many of those he mentored went on to very successful careers in public relations. David’s candour and strongly-held opinions generated lively discussions. He loved being on the front lines of business stories that have shaped our times. He brought his passion for PR to Beijing, China, where he taught Chinese MBA students pro-bono at a prominent Chinese university in Beijing. He learned Chinese to help facilitate communication with his students who admired and respected him immensely. Having just completed another government of Ontario trade mission to China and Vietnam, he continued to provide advice prior to his untimely death. David’s zest and passion for the communications world was only rivalled by his love and attention to his family, extensive travel and adventure. He was ADORED by his grandchildren and David’s well-honed communication skills were again put to great use, first by reading with his grandchildren and by the age of 7, teaching them how to debate politically. David had great fun taking the grandchildren for boat rides, swimming in the middle of the lake or skimming the water behind the boat in a pontoon. After a day at the lake and sitting by the campfire, David loved to discuss and toast marshmallows with the grandchildren. After putting the grandchildren to bed, David loved the occasional pairing of a cigar and scotch over a discussion of current events, politics and history.
“Rest in peace my Love until we meet again.”
The funeral service is on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at Turner & Porter Funeral Home, Toronto (416-767-3153). Visitation - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., service thereafter at 1 p.m. Shiva at 101 Charles St. E., Toronto, ON, on January 30, January 31 and February 1, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Hospital for Sick Children’s SickKids Foundation, Toronto.