Joel GREENBERG
JOEL GREENBERG Joel Greenberg was the youngest of two children, born to Ruth and Earl Greenberg on January 9, 1951. Joel lived his early life in Ottawa and attended the University of Ottawa Law School. Joel and his wife Cary moved to Pembroke where Joel made partner at Walsh Greenberg after just six months and was once famously paid in venison. Joel and Cary moved to Toronto and built a thriving law firm, Greenberg Swaine and then went on to contribute to the success of many entrepreneurial ventures. The greatest gift of Joel's life was to meet Cary, his partner, best friend, and true love. For over forty years, Joel and Cary did everything together. Their joys ranged from mornings sipping coffee and reading the New York Times to having a table full of family and friends for every occasion: the Superbowl, election nights, and every Jewish holiday. They traveled the world together, first with their daughter Kayla, and eventually following her lead. Everyone who knew Joel was blessed. He was a humble man who laughed wryly at his own foibles and radiated love and caring. He was a gentleman of wisdom and empathy. He could navigate any hurdle with calm, a gift he shared with his loved ones to help them overcome their adversity, from morality lessons to help with income taxes. He read and thought deeply and had boundless passions including - but by no means limited to - ball sports, music, politics, and observing and enjoying human nature. He was a giving, caring, positive force. Joel was a light and a beacon for all those around him, especially present on the darkest nights and on the ones where we couldn't find the courage to create a well-lit path for ourselves. Joel was deeply moved by maintaining Jewish traditions on holidays, especially those that involved eating and gathering with family and friends. They made him feel connected to something larger and being part of a continuum of history. Joel left us far too soon and suddenly to comprehend. The people left to mourn are too many to name; his wife and other half Cary; his daughter Kayla; his brother Norman and his wife Jane; his nieces and nephew Emily, Cody and Zachary; his dear dear friends and extended family whom he cherished. A funeral will be held Tuesday, December 15th at 10:30 a.m. through Benjamin's Park Memorial. To join the service virtually, please go to their website where you can find a link under Joel's name. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joel's name to Congregation Habonim or to the University of Toronto Track and Field Program, where Joel supported and cheered on Kayla during her eight years on the team.