Date of death: March 7, 2021
Graveside funeral will be held on March 9, 2021 at 11:00 am at the Beth Jacob Cemetery, 1250 Snake Road, Burlington. There is also a streaming link to participate in the funeral services by clicking here.
KESSLER, Sydney – Passed away on Sunday night, March 7, 2021, cause of death unrelated to COVID. Dear son of the late Hyman and Celia Kessler. Beloved husband of Ellen. Loving father and father-in-law of Jacob and Janice, and Isaac. Zaide of Ariella Sarah, Ana Miriam, and Asher Michael. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Michael, David, Carol, and Lisa. Graveside funeral will be held on March 9, 2021 at 11:00 am EST at the Beth Jacob Cemetery, 1250 Snake Road, Burlington.
Shiva Direction & Info:
Leslie and York Mills, south of York Mills, east side of Leslie, off of Ballyronan Road.
Memorial donations may be made to National Advertising Benevolents Society, which Syd co-founded, and the Ontario Medical Foundation.
Please note: In an effort to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 virus, graveside services will be limited to a maximum of 50 persons (including Clergy) for the safety of mourners, funeral home and cemetery staff. Social distancing 2m (6′) is required unless you are of the same household. For those that wish to participate in the mitzvah of Kevura, gloves must be worn. Names and phone numbers will be requested. Thank you for your cooperation.
Vadim and I still discuss ideas and conversations we had with Syd from years ago. His thoughts continue to impact ours. Dearest Ellen, Jacob, Isaac and family, may you find comfort in time and memory.
What a dear man. I cared for him so very much. He was so bright and such an inspiration to me. I will never forget him.
Funny, how simply working with a man like Syd on a TV commercial (where his brilliance just shined) turned into such a great relationship. How can you not like and admire a pioneer in the advertising world like Syd. We lost a giant – one of the greats. Syd you were so dear to me and even though you were so above my pay grade in experience and success, you always made me feel a part of the team and always valued my opinion. Can you imagine Syd Kessler valued my opinion? I’m a better person for knowing Syd Kessler. You will be missed.
My sincerest condolences to a beautiful family, Ellen, Jacob, and Isaac who I also got to know. (That was Syd – you knew him, he liked you, you knew the whole Mishpacha)
Jeffrey Gottheil
Big man. Big heart. Big loss. Syd didn’t just bring out the best in each person, he made everyone better than they would have been on their own. He opened minds and made people see the world in a different light. And feel different about their place in it. Syd Kessler … known by many… loved by all. We will never forget him. May Ellen, his children Jacob and Isaac, and all those he touched in this life be comforted by the light of his spirit.
Dear Ellen Jacob Janice Grand Kids Issac Syd’s brother Uncle mike from LA
I am deeply saddened to hear about about SYD’S Passing.
SYD was such a kind gentle soul and he would do anything to help improve any one’s life
One of my favourite memories is our Sunday morning swim exercises in his pool.
SYD always made me feel we were SOUL MATES
SYD shared stories about how he meet Ellen the love of his life, about his Teacher Rav Berg
And his 5 years with Labatt’s making Labatt market share increase for 5 years in a row and
How SYD had 5 employees paid for by Labatt working exclusively on KABBALAH for 5 years.
As a TRIBUTE to SYD when I remember SYD , I reach to be the best person, I can be……..
Knowing SYD would want me to be happy
Hugs Love Peace Blessings & Miracles to follow in SYD’s Memory
Michael Mike Lenhardt cell/text 647 881 5263
Dear Ellen, Isaac and Jacob: Syd and I worked together, we were family, and we respected each other always. Working with Syd was working with “genius” ears. He just “got it”
I am so so sorry for your loss. We were all truly blessed to have such a spirit. Always a joy to be around and listen to. I’ll miss him like everyone else. All my love, Teri
Dear Ellen, Isaac, Jacob and Family…. the world has lost a great man and we all know it. From the moment I met Syd, we had a connection. His wise words, advice and thoughts were and are, still precious to me and I’ll never ever forget him. May his memory be a blessing for all of you. Sending love and hugs. xoxoxxoox
Syd ~ Kindness and grace personified, and a wise loving heart larger than life.
To have known you is to have known the blessing and truth that we are all family to each other.
Thank you for loving my boys as your own. The meaning of love and life eternal.
My deepest sympathy and love to Ellen, Jacob and Isaac.
Syd was, is and always will be my friend , my mentor and occasionally
my employer . I had the great honour of praying with Syd year after year , I was always amazed at his generosity of spirit . I was lucky enough to read his books and attend some study groups or help put together the Kabbalah Kids Camp, and the legendary pool parties .
To Ellen the boys now men . My heart is with you , I wish I could be there to weep with you and embrace you ..someday when we can safely be together I would like to share some time with you ..please include me in your extended family . Your friend , Howard and Alice
What a sad day it is when the spirit of that one-of-kind Syd Kessler leaves our world.
He brought so much to so many of us.
While I didn’t have the good fortune of knowing Syd as long as so many others — nor as long I would have liked — he enhanced my life in so many ways. — personally, spiritually and professionally.
The consummate “serial helper” always at the ready with a solution and the best outcome for everyone.
He was an old testament soul energizing our 21st century world with thoughtfulness, the kindest heart and most brilliant mind.
My deepest sympathies to you Ellen, Isaac, Jacob and your families and extended families.
May the love and good will of Syd be upon us all ways and always…
Syd and i were childhood neighbours and friends. He was unique and had a big energy then, so I was not surprised when he turned into a more unique and bigger energy as a man. As an adult, he had an unusual charisma and what I loved and admired most about him was his fearlessness about being different, and thinking differently – his courage to diverge from the norm and to do and say what had not been done and said. And he always encouraged others, including me, to do the same. Ellen, my mother adored you. You were by far the best thing that ever happened to and for Syd. My love and warm thoughts to you, Isaac and Jacob.
My deepest condolences to your family, I am forever grateful to have met and worked for Syd at the Air Co. A larger than life personality, seriously sharp sense of humor along with his unmistakable laugh. His creative problem solving was unmatched but what I really admired most was the love and friendship he showed everyone. Rest In Peace
No words can describe the energy and the bounty this man created for so many. Sending love to Ellen and the boys. THANK YOU Syd for so much. You will be greatly missed. A true original and creative spirit that helped people to grow and reach their potential. To Ellen, Isaac and Jacob, my heartfelt and sincere condolences.
ברוך דיין האמת.
There is something about being from Hamilton that makes our relationships very special
My heartfelt sympathy, thoughts and prayers to Ellen, Isaac and Jacob on their loss.
Syd was one of a kind. There will never ever be another Syd Kessler. RIP
Dearest Ellen, Isaac, Jacob, Michael and family
We were so saddened to hear the news about our cousin Syd.
He was one of a kind and had a special place in our family and in our hearts.
May your memories of Syd sustain you at this difficult and sad time.
With love,
Marcia and Harvey and family
Syd was so much a part of my life.I loved him
We owed each other so much.
I am thinking of Ellen, Jacob and Isaac.
The world will surely miss his energy, his talent and I will miss his friendship.
Syd was the “perfect system”A fun, cheerful, cheering , laughing creative genius. Always there to help.. offer a word of wisdom. A solid word of advice and never too proud to ask if he didn’t know. The trouble is he almost always knew.
His love for his family was unsurpassed. His devotion to them was as rare as the steaks Ellen would serve. He treated everyone he came into contact with, with the utmost respect.
I was close to Syd and valued and cherished our relationship and friendship. There wasn’t anything he would do to help one, if needed. And he passed that great quality on to his boys. And there wasn’t anything I wouldn’t for him or his family.
Syd. May Hashemi welcome you the way you always welcomed people into your house. And may He bless your beautiful family with much joy and nachos and help them thru this very trying time.
Net net: He was the perfect system. Top to bottom , inside and out.
I’ll miss u buddy. Love and prayers and thoughts to Ellen, Jacob , Isaac and your families.
Len Gill
Dearest Ellen , Isaac , Jacob , Michael & family :
Our utmost condolences on the passing of your beloved Syd .
I was devastated & shocked to hear of his passing .
My cousin Syd meant the world to me – he has been a meaningful part of my life always .
His soul was larger than life – his heart was even larger .
Such a tremendous loss.
May his memories provide you with strength.
Love Reesa , Mendy & family
Syd had a huge impact on me, to work hard and do my best as we all worked for a common goal, plus we were allowed to laugh alone the way. My thoughts and prayers to The Kessler Family
Syd was so generous and kind to me. He was an inspiration a great teacher and a great example. My condolences to Ellen, Isaac, Jacob and all of us who were so touched by him;
Syd and I became great friends after i first met him at a lecture he gave at the North Y on The Perfect System over 20 years ago. I consider myself truly blessed to have been able to call him a friend.
Syd was a remarkable individual and touched so many people with his intellect, wisdom, generosity, sense of humour, and compassion. I will truly miss him. My deepest condolences to Ellen,Isaac, Jacob, Mike and all family members.
I owe much of my career as a voice over performer in Canada and the US to Syd. He was such a powerful presence in the studio. The master of his domain. I will always be eternally grateful to him for the support and direction that he gave to me.
alav hashalom (עליו השלום)
My sincere condolences to Ellen, Isaac and Jacob. Peace be with you also.
I am heartbroken to hear this devastating news . Syd was my mentor and my friend and I loved him dearly. He took me under his wing at sounds interchange when I was 19 years old and taught me everything he knew about casting producing jingles singers and musicians . He was always a phone call away anytime I needed him over the years . My deepest heartfelt condolences to Ellen Jacob and Isaac and their families and friends . Syd was a force to be reckoned with and had one of the kindest hearts I ever knew . I will love you and miss you forever Sydnook! Soar with the angels .
Syd was larger than the life. Syd IS larger than life. His essence & very soul are always with us and will remain with us.
He had the kindest heart and a true giving soul. He was the absolute best blocking fullback, protecting you while opening up holes so that you could charge through and succeed.
Syd’s infectious laughter, his sense of humor, his brilliant vocabulary and his creative and business genius were a potent combination, rarely to be found in a single human being. As I said, larger than life.
I spoke to him only days before his stroke and he told me he was truly ready for his next adventure. Problem is, we were not ready. This world was not ready to see such a shining Light exit the stage.
My love and thoughts are with you, Ellen, Jacob and Isaac, and Mike, and may Syd continue to be close to you each day, may his guidance and soul always light your way. My deepest condolences, love and support.
Baruch Dayan Emet.
Mr. Kessler was a wonderfully creative man and lovely personality, and I know he will be greatly missed.
Condolences to the entire Kessler family – Ellen, Isaac, Jacob, and the kids.
Syd will always be a person who impacted my life in the most dynamic, positive way.
I met the mother of my children because of him. I am eternally grateful
He believed in my talent and very generously provided opportunities as a songwriter and musician.
I have never laughed so often or so loudly as being in the studio with him every day
for about 15 years of my life. Great years, so much fun.
Love to Ellen, Jacob and Isaac at this terrible time. RIP Syd!
Dear Helene, Jacob, Isaac and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult moment.
May the precious memories console and give you strength to face tomorrow. With caring Sympathy
ברוך דיין האמת.
I met Syd 30 years ago, to the day, this week on March 10th.
He was, and will always be, the best of the best.
May Ellen, Isaac and Jacob be comforted and consoled with the deepest love and appreciation.