Jack was our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, father-in-law... and friend. His death on March 27, 2003 marked the passing of not only a human being, but an era. An era of civility, of commitment to family.
These eulogies capture and reflect his life in the eyes of his loved ones.
And the articles linked on the right show that he had influence well beyond his family.
Sold on joy of living
Sold on joy of living
By JERRY GLADMAN, TORONTO SUN
Smiling Jack Hilf had to be a salesman. Through much of his 89 years, there was no other vocation -- save for an entertainer, or maybe teaching other salesmen, both of which he did anyway -- that better suited this delightful, energetic, loving man who made every soul he met feel just a little special by the time he strolled away. He brought laughter and song and sunlight into each day. And bear hugs. And corny jokes. And wonderful stories and meaningful advice. He was generous to a fault and his good nature was limitless.
But mostly, his was a life well-lived because it inevitably benefited someone close by in some fashion, be it stranger or loved one.
Traditionally, when you mention the ultimate salesman, people quickly think of Willie Lowman, the tragic centrepiece of Arthur Miller's brilliant play, Death of a Salesman. But in real life, Jack Hilf was much more suited to the part because he was the ideal role model.
Hilf's modus operandi went far beyond sales samples, fancy patter, a glad hand and a shark-like smile. Because Jack Hilf didn't just sell -- he also gave back. He was a tireless advocate for salesmen's rights and better working conditions, he was involved in countless labour matters, and he served his fellow workers in many official capacities. He was a mentor and a teacher and a friend.
He had a sweet soul -- from his loud voice booming out Al Jolson songs to his adoring, respectful relationship with all the women in his life, his zest for welcoming each day with open arms and his appreciation for simply being alive. He was well-read and smart, he could discuss anything, and his mind was a Rolodex of jokes and memorable sayings (Jackisms).
REAL GOODS
All these things sound like overworked platitudes, but those whose lives were touched by Jack Hilf will say otherwise. He was the real goods.
When Hilf turned 80, his family made a videotape to celebrate him and their feelings for him. Half of it is the man himself telling his life story, which is treasure enough. But most poignant is the pure unconditional love spilling from each child, grandchild, great-grandchild and son-in-law, and the glitter in their eyes as they speak of what he truly means to them.
"Jack in no small way impacted my life," says son-in-law Benny Levison, his work partner for 40 years. "Aside from him being very likable, he was a person with a drive to make things better for himself and his family and also for the betterment of others."
Hilf's story was not unlike those of most immigrants (he hailed from Poland) who came to this country in the early part of the last century to seek a better life. He scrapped and struggled and persevered, selling papers on the corner, delivering booze for a local bootlegger and left school prematurely to make his way in the working world.
He tried a number of jobs in the garment trade to support his twice-widowed mother and his five siblings and finally settled into ladies wear (as he loved to say). The local union took a shine to this bright kid and sent him to night school to learn about his adopted country's labour movement. He repaid them by his life-long involvement and contributions.
Then one day, he met a gorgeous redhead named Clara Gildener and his world glistened even more. He knew instantly she was for him and before long they married, set up home and welcomed the arrival of more sunshine -- Elaine, Annette and Geri.
Mind you, life wasn't always a bed of roses. The family had to get used to absences on the road and long hours in town. They were poor, but didn't know it, like everyone in those days. But they made their own joy because Jack Hilf would have it no other way. There were treats and driving holidays with song sheets and an abundance of love and laughter.
He was an attentive, romantic husband -- forever serenading Clara in the kitchen with Every Day I Love You Just A Little Bit More -- and he could dance her out of any mood. They were an ideal couple. He taught his daughters everything that counted in life and was warm, understanding, kind and affectionate. And later, when they brought their life mates to the home, he welcomed them heartily and treated them like sons.
No one will ever know the grief and loss he felt when Clara fell ill with cancer and died in 1985. But he worked through it and tended to his daughters and bounced back, as they knew he would. And then, when time had passed, he sought and found loving companionship in his latter years. Her name was Magda Hiller and she was a caring mate for him.
SLEEPOVERS
Over the years, he had his grandchildren and their children, who fought for time and sleepovers at Zaida Jack's. He sang to them, played golf with the boys, revelled in their youth and shared with them the joys of life. He challenged them, inspired them and loved them beyond measure.
And he never changed. At age 40, he became a physical fitness buff and exercised every day until he died. He maintained his passion for his trade and worked the markets and trade shows until he was 88. To him, sales was a noble profession and he was its finest ambassador.
He was the most unselfish of men and even when he grew ill and was confined to hospital in his final days, the smile remained on his lips along with the twinkle in his eye. Jack Hilf had no apologies to make to anyone for anything.
Those who love him miss him beyond compare, but they all embrace the words of grandson Craig Levison: "While this world has lost one of its shining stars, the next world has just become a whole lot brighter."
Toronto Star obituary
HILF, Jack – On Thursday, March 27, 2003, after a valiant battle, passed peacefully at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Jack Hilf, adoring husband of the late Clara Hilf. Cherished father and father-in-law of Elaine and Benny Levison, Annette andStan Till, and Geri and Harry Berholz. Devoted brother and brother-in-law of Rose and Zachary Greenbaum, and the late Rachel Siegel, Mollie Birnbaum, Ann Hoffman, and Sam Kalechman. Much loved grandfather of Randi and Randy Basian, Craig and Debbie Levison, Andrew Levison, Tracey Levison and Roberto Tomassini, Larry Till and Diane Wise, Steve Till and Pauline Abbott-Till, Debbi Till and Jonathan Tabachnikoff, Daniel, Robin, and David Berholz, and great-grandfather of Carly, Jamie, Jordyn, Jake, Coby, Jamie, Abby, Shayna, and Zachary. Devoted to his loving companion Magda Heller and her family, Gabe Heller and Mary Hansen and their children Josh, Betsy and Katie, loving brother- in-law to Chaim and Ida Gildiner, and loving uncle and great-uncle to his many nieces and nephews. Jack enriched the lives of all he touched. We will sorely miss his wonderful humour, magnificent smile, keen intellect, loving warmth, infinite wisdom and passion for so many things - especially song. From his teen years until as recently as last spring, Jack was active in the profession he loved - he truly was the salesman's salesman. He loved and was loved by so many, and his passing leaves an enormous void in our lives. Service will be held at Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel, 2401 Steeles Avenue West (1 light west of Dufferin) on Sunday, March 30, 2003 at 1:30 p.m. Shiva at 36 Sycamore Drive, Thornhill, daily from 11:00 a.m. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Jack Hilf Memorial Fund c/o The Benjamin Foundation, 3429 Bathurst Street, Toronto, M6A 2C3, 416-780-0324. Date Posted: 2003-03-29
Steve's eulogy
Hello…
I would like to paint a picture for you- a picture of my Zaida Jack. I would like to start by saying that I love him with all my heart, and I cherish every second of the 38 plus years that he was my grandfather.
Zaida Jack was a man who was overflowing with love, laughter and songs. He exuded happiness from every single pore. The house he shared with my Bubbie Clara at 458 Patricia should be cordoned off and made into a museum- it was the prototype for what every grandparent’s house should be. On Friday nights, we would walk in to the smell of roast beef and Bubbie’s special potatoes. The next stop was always the kitchen where you would see one of his daughters sampling from the pot while Bubbie put on the finishing touches.
If you were one of the really lucky grandchildren that Friday night, it was your turn to sleep over. If you stayed there that night, the first sound you would hear in the morning was Zaida going downstairs at 7 am to do his calisthenics in the den. He started exercising when he was right around 40 years old- and he told me that he continued on a revised regimen even while he was in the hospital 2 months ago. After his exercise we met him in the kitchen for breakfast- he had a cereal called Total and prune juice- we had anything else.
I am sure that the second phone number I ever memorized was 223-7799 - my Bubbie and Zaida. I learned so much from him- how you can smile, be kind and respectful, and still get what you want. Zaida Jack and I used to watch wrestling together on Saturday afternoons, and- if I was really good; he would take me to Maple Leaf Gardens on a Sunday night to see it live. It was at Maple Leaf Gardens that Zaida Jack saved my life one night- my favourite wrestler got unjustly attacked and I was halfway to the ring to stop the insanity when I felt Zaida Jack’s arm grab me around my waist. He was able to calm me down that night, but it took a lot of ice cream and Coke.
We would have lunch together as often as I could- but it was never often enough for Zaida Jack. I remember offering to pay for it every time we went, and I probably ended up convincing him to let me pay… twice. My Zaida Jack taught me to golf, and would not let a summer go by- including last summer- without playing golf with me, my cousin Andrew and whoever else was lucky enough to be our fourth. I will miss the Zaida Jack invitational so much - and vow that it will continue.
I was given so much by my Zaida Jack- his unparalleled catalogue of jokes (to quote my cousin David- when Zaida told them they were funny- when we told the same joke… inappropriate), his constant singing (he always said that he excelled at duets with his favourite partner- Frank Sinatra) and -of course- his love of family. Zaida - I miss you - you are so much a part of me - all the best parts.
Every day I will love you- just a little bit more.
Geri's eulogy
Geri’s Eulogy for her Dad
I have always been so proud to be Jack Hilf’s daughter. To the day he passed away, I loved being with him and basked in his vitality, generous love, and limitless good nature.
Throughout my childhood and adolescence, at the change of the seasons, Daddy and I engaged in a cherished ritual of taking a drive downtown to “The Avenue”, where Daddy would escort me through his friends’ factories to get wholesale clothing. In his car on those Saturday mornings, even the noxious cigar smoke was made tolerable by our “talks”, mostly lectures about politics, economics, religion and family values. I was awed by what my Dad knew, how articulate he was and how comprehensible he could make even the most complex issues. Together, we sang “Everyday I Love You Just a Little Bit More” and that stirring war ballad, “The White Cliffs of Dover” about “love & laughter and peace ever after”. He always made me feel so special, calling me “Daughter #3” and telling me that, “when they made you, they threw away the mould.” It was only years later that I discovered that he had, in fact, told all three of us the same thing.
I swear I thought he was the Mayor of the Fashion District. Everyone knew him and everywhere we went, people greeted him expansively. He even had these pens that said “Smiling Jack Hilf” which he would dispense liberally along with his plentiful jokes-for-all-occasions, jokes ever-escalating into political incorrectness, the kind that, if my Mother were there, would be silenced by her admonishment, “Jack, enough.”
My Daddy was more than a man of words; he was also a man of action. I knew he was up to important things in his labour union and salesmen’s association; he was a natural and well-respected leader and organizer.
He was a skilled and clever negotiator who was adept at righting wrongs and encouraged us to take a stand for what we believed in – especially in restaurants!
He did the same thing in our family, smoothing out spats between and among the lot of us, trying to find the humour in every situation and resolving that we “never go to bed angry”. He kept saying that he and Mummy wouldn’t be around forever and we needed to learn to get along. He always said that he reserved the right to have the last words in any arguments with my mother, even if they were “Yes dear”. He carried on a perpetual love affair with my mother, modeling for me what it takes to keep passion alive in a marriage. Thank you, Daddy, for the conscious and vital role you played in creating this remarkable family.
On several occasions, I had the opportunity to work with my Dad in his Fashion markets. My Dad’s interactions with his customers were generally filled with laughter and mutual respect, but, occasionally, he had to work with a “sour-puss”. I once asked him how he kept smiling under such conditions and he shared his professional secret with me: He simply imagined that the poor offender was suffering from hemorrhoids, which apparently accounted for the man’s nastiness, thus enabling my Dad not to take rejection personally.
Daddy inspired me to take good care of myself, to eat well, exercise, learn and be self-expressed, saying, “Take care of #1” and “God takes care of those who take care of themselves”. Over the past couple of years, he endured several setbacks, from losing his driver’s licence, eyesight and hearing, to having broken his nose twice through freak accidents. Still, he never complained, he just did what could be done to make things better. He was simply too occupied living and loving life, enjoying quality time with with Magda, his family and his buddies.
True to the end, Daddy died the way he lived. During his last day of life in the High Intensity Unit, Daddy’s face was virtually consumed by an oxygen mask, allowing only his scrunched up eyes to be exposed as he struggled to breathe. Yet, when his favourite Doctor came by to check on him, Daddy managed to wink at her, eliciting a huge grin from her and rekindling optimism for his survival. But it wasn’t meant to be. His rally lasted only long enough for him to hold court with his loved ones, then he just slipped away.
My father was a legend in his own time, a man who loved his life, lived full out, and moved on when it was time. He must have known that, for as much weren’t ready to let him go, Mummy was waiting for him.
Daddy, the time we had together was, and will always be, precious to me, just as you were. Thank you for leaving me with so many inspiring and joyful memories to fill the hole in my heart created by your absence. Until we meet again, may you enjoy love and laughter and peace ever after.
Elaine and Benny's eulogies
Elaine
I am Elaine Levison, Jack’s #1 daughter. We are here to celebrate the love and laughter that my Dad brought into the lives of all he touched. And to quote my Father, “ A good speech should be like a woman’s skirt- long enough to cover the subject but short enough to be interesting.” He didn’t always follow his own advice, but on that note---(pull out wrong speech)---“We welcome you here to-day to celebrate the Bar-Mitzvah of my---OOPS- wrong speech!”
Jack Hilf was born Jack Standard in Ostriewsza, Poland on August l5, l9l4-second son of Royza and Yitzak Standard. His father passed away at the young age of 26, and when his mother remarried, the family grew to 6 including his four sisters-Rose, Rachel, Mollie and Ann. At age ll, his family emigrated to Canada and settled in Toronto, and soon thereafter his beloved mother was widowed once again. My Dad never let grass grow under his feet, and he immediately got a spot at the corner of Yonge and Dundas and sold newspapers. A bully came along and claimed the corner as his, and threatened Dad that if he would be there the next day, he’d be sorry. Next morning, Dad was there, not to be threatened, and was ready and waiting. He walked over to the tough guy, pointed his 2 fingers straight ahead, and shoved them into the tough guy’s eyes. That corner was Dad’s from then on.
So my Dad had his principles in place from early on- and all through his life he stood up for what he felt was right. His sister, Auntie Rosie Greenbaum who with her family is here with us to-day, recalled that her big brother Jack was more like a father to her and Auntie Rachel than a brother. While supporting our Mother Clara and their children (us) and earning a very sparse living at the time,he would slip his sisters extra money whenever he saw them.
He met our beautiful Mother Clara at the Labour Lyceum, at Spadina and St. Andrews in Toronto and was immediately smitten with her. They married in May l938 and had 3 fabulous daughters-Elaine, Annette and Geraldine. Times were tough financially when Annette and I were young, but we never felt deprived of love and laughter and incredible sense of family. Our biggest pleasures were going in our family car laden with song sheets and singing our hearts out- my Dad especially loved those sing-songs and he thought he was Al Jolson’s competition.
From his beginnings in the needle trade, first as a presser, then a manufacturer and owner of Adorable Junior Dress Company, and then on the road as a traveller, My Dad always loved the business. And even more-people loved him—his twinkling blue eyes, his wall-to-wall smile, his great laughter and his never-ending supply of jokes. “Smiling Jack Hilf” they called him, and he was. He and Mom always taught us that above all else, we were family and must always remain close and loving and forgiving – he never stayed angry for more than a minute. Their teachings have extended from generation to generation. As years passed, Dad and Mom “shepped Naches” from their offspring. Mom passed away in 1985, and their love affair of 47 years came to a close. But Dad was lucky enough to have a second chance at happiness when he met Magda Heller through a “shidach” or match made by his grandson Craig and his wife Debbie. Dad and Magda were together for 14 years, and they shared a wonderful, warm and loving companionship. He was blessed with 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, all of whom adored him.
Dad felt his legacy to his family was to live a good life, achieve longevity through exercise – he worked out at the “Y” right up until the time he went into hospital in mid-January- eating healthy and keeping active. He kept his mind alert- he knew everything about politics, finances, history and current events. H taught us all how to laugh- he lit up a room. Just a couple of days before he died, he talked about going home and getting back to the Y.
At the conclusion of the video the family made in honour of his 80th birthday, he concluded by saying - and I quote:
“These are the contributions I think I’ve made to my descendents, and as far as what they think of me, if they come to the right conclusion about me - in all modesty they’ll realize I’m a wonderful guy."
AND HE WAS. AND HE WILL BE SO DEEPLY MISSED.
WE LOVE YOU DADDY.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Benny
Jack in no small way impacted my life. We were partners for forty years. From the beginning of our association I new that I could learn a lot from him. Aside from him being a very likable person, he was a person with a drive to make things better for himself and his family, and also for the
betterment of others.
In his early days in the trade union movement, he was active in trying to acheive better working conditions in the needle trade, and later as a sales Rep he fought for the rights of salesmen. He rose in the ranks of the Salesmens association to become president of the Ontario Markets and also became president of the Cdn Ntl Salesmens association. He spent many years working for the rights of salesmen, instituting contracts with Manufacturers, for in those years one could go on the road with a line and come back two weeks later to find that the line was given to someone else.
His tireless efforts helped to make it an honorable profession. He never refused to help his fellow salesmen in time of financial need or Council. Customers adored him as he entertained them with his jokes.
We just finished a market last week and I can’t tell you how many people asked about him. The legacy he leaves, is his zest for life, his compassion for his fellow man, his desire to put a smile on your face, the inspiration he gave to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to live their lives with exercise for a healthy body, and humor for a healthy mind.
I am sure he has put a smile on the face of everyone here, so we celebrate his life today and say Thank You Jack for all you have given us.
Craig's eulogy
Download this file (.pdf)
As is so evident by the beautiful tribute we are witnessing here today, my Zaida Jack Hilf was truly one of the most inspiring, kind and loving people in my life and the lives of all of those whom he touched.
With every family gathering that called for a speech or shared thought, he was always so proud to be the first to pay tribute to that person and proclaim his love so eloquently and deeply from within his heart.
Now it is time for us to pay tribute and express our love in front of those who were closest to him. Nothing would make him happier than to hear the outpouring of affection you are witnessing today.
Zaida has had such a deep affect on my life, with his vivacious and energetic approach to everyone and everything he came in contact with.
From the moment he walked into a room you would be greeted with that infectious smile followed by a giant bear hug. He just had this wonderful ability to light up a room with his humor and make everyone feel comfortable. His straightforward and positive attitude was to be admired and to him nothing was more important and obvious than his unconditional love and commitment to his family.
I feel blessed to have had Jack Hilf as my grandfather. Our every interaction has brought joy and a positive force in my life. From my first memories of my grandfather, I can NEVER remember him getting mad at me, or judging me. The ONLY memories I have and will always have of my Zaida are of us laughing together, sharing wonderful times and just enjoying each other’s company.
Zaida, I will miss you terribly and will never be able to replace the void of you not being in my life, but I assure you, every part of you will live on in me and all of our family for generations to come.
While this world has lost one of it’s shining stars, the next world has just become a whole lot brighter.
Carly's eulogy
Download this file (.pdf)
Hi, my name is Carly Basian. I am the oldest great-grandchild of Jack Hilf. Today, I will be talking on the behalf of all of his great-grandchildren.
Zaida Jack, there is no word that can describe how wonderful he was. No matter how depressed or sad you were, his jokes came to the rescue. Zaida Jack was one of the people in my life that made me enjoy the scheme of life, and was probably one of my greatest roll-models. The first time I saw him, when I was a little baby, I picked up the vibe that he brought love and happiness to everybody’s life.
When all the great-grandchildren think of Zaida Jack, these following characteristics pop into our minds:
He was very funny, he was an amazing father, grandfather, great-grandfather etc… he had a very long, happy and healthy life, he was caring, “he was sweet like sugar” and he was very lovable. Yes, all of us will miss him very much, but we have to think optimistically, he had a very happy, long life.
One thing we should always remember, is whenever he told one of his jokes, he’d always laugh harder than anyone else. “We love you!”
Annette's eulogy
Download this file (.pdf)
I am Annette, Jack Hilf’s middle daughter.
THIS IS A LETTER TO MY DAD.
Hi Daddy,
I hope you are at peace and enjoying your reunion with Mummy.
I have so many thoughts to share with you today, and I want to start by telling you how proud I am to be your daughter, and how grateful I am for the things you taught me.
Thank you for making me understand how important it is to be kind and to help others. I remember when you organized the Sunshine Fund, a fund which was set up to help other ladies wear salespeople who had fallen upon hard times. Even in the tough financial times of that era, you went from salesperson to salesperson, and you encouraged people to donate whatever they could afford, in order to help the unlucky ones who were unable to support their families.
Thank you for teaching me that Life is much easier when you see it through eyes of humour. You always had a joke or a funny comment for any situation, and you were appropriately and affectionately called Smiling Jack Hilf, by everyone who was lucky enough to know you.
Thank you for teaching me that by listening to and caring about people, it makes them feel good about themselves and about you. There were many times that I came to you with my problems, and you were always there to listen and to offer suggestions or help. You were my best friend from the very beginning.
Thank you for teaching me to be honest and forthright and sincere in all of my relationships. People always knew where they stood with you, and I hope that my family and friends feel the same way about me. When I think about my childhood, I remember it with great pleasure. You taught us to love and to laugh and to sing. Thank you for these wonderful gifts.
I will miss your wisdom, your kindness, and your laughter, but I also know how fortunate I have been to have had you as my father for so many incredible years.
Thank you for the blessing you have been to our family.
We were lucky to have had you for so long.
Daddy……..you will always be the sunshine in my life!
And wherever you are…………..I LOVE YOU!
