Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of a dear friend and remarkable Canadian, Eric Roher. A leader in the field of education and labour law, Eric was at the heart of our community in Toronto—St. Paul's. He was infinitely generous and warm. He loved every inch of Canada so deeply, whether paddling up north or zipping along St. Clair on his Vespa.
It was his love of community that drove him to serve as the president of Holy Blossom Temple, where five generations of his family continue to gather, but it was his infinite optimism that prompted him to open the door of his community and his home to my family and so many others. Eric knew that by bringing people together, by finding joy in each other, we could make the world a better place. This is tikkun olam, the Jewish commandment to leave this world better than we found it. In that, Eric, I can proudly say, was successful.
To Eric’s beloved family, his wife, Beth, and daughters, Jessica, Rebecca and Sophie, my heartfelt condolences are with them. May Eric’s memory be a blessing to us all.