It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Paul Ekstein, aged 91. Paul was a devoted husband of Nili Ekstein and a dedicated father to Steve, Shelley, & Ari, Dori Ekstein. Paul adored all of his grandchildren, Evan, Jordana & Yehuda, Jessica & Cedric, Daniella & Ilan, Ryan & Aaron. Paul enjoyed a very close relationship with his brother Frank Ekstein Z”l and his brother in law in Israel, Dr. Avi Stern.
Paul immigrated to Canada from the former Czechoslovakia in 1939 with his brother Frank and beloved parents Ernest & Anna Ekstein Z”l. Paul’s father Ernest Z”l was a successful cattle dealer in Prague and his family had a strong connection to agriculture in Europe. Canada was not taking in Jews at that time and the only way that the Ekstein Family and other Jews were allowed in Canada, was if they were willing to commit to be farmers in Canada for 5 years. There were over 50 family & friends that immigrated between 1938-1939 and this is all documented in a book called None is Too Many.
Paul’s love for agriculture & cows started at a young age when they spent many days on the Popper & Abels farms in Mt. Hope Ontario. Paul worked extremely hard and built an excellent reputation in the Holstein industry and forage seed business. Paul was inducted into the Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2008 honoring him for his success building Quality Holsteins. He was a competitor at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair for 54 years, and was presented with the McKown Master Breeder Award in 2013 for his outstanding contributions to the Holstein breed and dairy cattle business.
Paul will be remembered for his hard work, passion & dedication to everything he set his mind to. He loved his farm & cows and never stopped asking about them until the day he passed. Paul was a great family man and he loved his wife & children dearly.
Memorial donations may be made to Magen David Adom https://cmdai.org/
Ontario Dairy Youth Trust Fund. Link: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/10855?v1=true
Details handled by Steele Memorial Chapel.
