Over a life that spanned almost a century, Stanley Freeman lived through an astonishing span of history—personal history, world history, Jewish history. Born and raised in downtown Toronto, he witnessed the Christie Pits riots around the corner from his home, the Depression, World War II, the Holocaust, and the birth of the State of Israel.
He was part of a vibrant downtown Jewish community made up of immigrants who worked hard so their children could strive for excellence and success. Imagine, if you will, Stanley and his fellow students at Harbord Collegiate, one generation from the shtetl, performing in Gilbert & Sullivan operettas and preparing to become a new generation of Jewish professionals.
Stanley received his bachelor’s degree, his master’s in chemistry, and finally his medical degree, all at the University of Toronto. He spent his hours buried in books and examining cadavers while his new bride, Montreal import Naomi Pascal, supported them, working for Toronto Children’s Aid.
Stan began his career as a psychiatrist as his children, Michael, Joan, and Jonathan came into the world. He was there in the early days of the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry (later a part of CAMH), eventually becoming the Director of the Social and Community Psychiatry Department. This group was involved in creating innovative community projects, such as the Hong Fook Mental Health Association, that helped bridge the gap between immigrant communities and psychiatric care. Other projects included the training of psychiatric nurses in the Canadian North. He balanced this work with his private psychotherapy practice and teaching in the Department of Psychiatry at UofT.
Stan and Naomi grew old together gracefully, watching their family expand to include their children’s spouses, Gitta, Martin, and Béla, as well as their five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. They moved together into the Baycrest Terraces in 2015, reacquainting themselves with old friends and acquiring a host of new ones. When Naomi died in 2022, the couple had already celebrated 73 years of marriage.
Stan always had a strong love of learning and adventure, and in addition to his academic and professional successes, he wrote plays and essays, learned to fly an airplane, and enjoyed fishing, travelling, and watching the Blue Jays.
He will be greatly missed by a small army of friends and fans. Memorial donations may be made to Baycrest Foundation 416-785-2875.