FREEDMAN, Dr. Melvin Harris - Peacefully, passed away at his home on January 2, 2019 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
A brilliant Pediatric Haemotologist, talented musician, loving family-man and nature enthusiast, he leaves behind his beloved and loyal wife of 55 years, Lila Oberman Freedman, his devoted children, Monica Freedman Eckman and David Eckman, Dr. Jamie Freedman and Jill Loftiss, as well as cherished grandchildren Ben and Alex Eckman and Wolfe Freedman-Loftiss.
Also leaves dear sister- in-law and brother- in-law, Estelle and Dr. Arthur Blank, nephew and niece Michael and Jane Blank and children.
He was predeceased by his parents, Ben and Norma Freedman (as well as Naomi Freedman) from Saint John, New Brunswick and parents-in-law, Nathan and Mary Oberman (and Betty Oberman) as well as dear sister and brother-in-law, Ellen Freedman Hochberger and Fred Hochberger III from Newton, Massachusetts.
He was a fond uncle to his numerous Hochberger and Stavis nephews and nieces throughout the United States.
Born on July 4, 1939 in Saint John, New Brunswick, he graduated as a top student at Dalhousie University Medical School, excelled in training in Pediatric Medicine at Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, and was successful as a Hematology-Oncology Clinical and Research Fellow at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, University of Southern California.
Dr. Freedman soared in the medical world with hundreds of research publications and abstracts submitted to prominent scientific meetings and for chapters in major hematology and oncology textbooks. He was a sought-after world-wide lecturer and visiting Professor.
A true leader in the medical community, he served on the Examination Board for Certification in Hematology of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada as well as a member of the Hematology Committee for Training Programs, Accreditation in Canada and Member and Chair of the Research Ethics Board at Hospital for Sick Children.
Funeral will be held at Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel, Toronto on Sunday, January 6, 2019 at 11:30 am. Shiva at the home of Dr. Melvin and Lila Freedman, 55 Prince Arthur Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 1B3, Canada. Shiva visit times to be announced.
Memorial donations can be made to the Israel Cancer Research Fund.
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