The family of David Michael Magder is sad to inform you of the passing of David Michael Magder.
David was the son of Rose (Bucovetsky), who imbued in him a love of poetry, and Dr. Harry Magder, who imbued in him a love of sailing and medicine. Born in Kirkland Lake, Ont., he grew up in Montreal and became a devoted Zionist. After an undergraduate degree in English at McGill University, he continued on to graduate from medical school in 1965. While in medical school, he not only made lifelong friends but also met the love of his life, Israeli-born Edna. They wed in 1964. After he completed his training in psychiatry at the University of Rochester, Strong Memorial Hospital, they spent several years in Israel, where he practised at the Geha Hospital before returning to Canada. However, his connection to Israel remained lifelong.
His commitment to seeing those he treated as whole human beings brought him to McMaster University, where there was a then-pioneering team-based treatment program. After moving to Toronto, he was a part-time assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto, CAMH, a position he held from 1983-2023. He was dedicated to his patients and often challenged established wisdom about disease. When his wife Edna received her doctorate in psychology, she joined him in private practice. Additionally, they travelled the world with David, often found behind a camera documenting it all. No matter how far from home, his excellent sense of direction meant he could always find his way.
He loved his children Ruth (David) and Dan (Maia) and their respective spouses. He took pride in his grandchildren Oren (Emma), Aliza, Reuven and Ayelet. He was blessed to have a lifelong relationship with his brother Philip and his wife Nicole and their children and grandchildren. He was part of the extensive Magder, Bucovetsky and Weissman clans with close friends and professional colleagues. His sense of humor, his patience and his endless curiosity will be missed by all who knew him. He passed at a date of his choosing. We are thankful to the Tammy Latner Centre for palliative care and the Home Instead team for the care and support they provided us during this final journey.
No flowers please. Donations in David's memory can be made to The Movement for Quality Government in Israel, The New Israel Fund of Canada, The New Israel Fund USA, Support the Shalom Hartman Institute, The Shalom Hartman Institute of North America and Leket Canada (Israel's National Food Bank).