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.
Dear Syd,
I will deeply miss our one on one’s and watching your eyes sparkle with childlike wonder when something enthused you. Goodbye my friend, shine brightly in the sky with your magic.
Ellen, Jacob and Isaac, I am thinking of you and know my heart is at your side, Poet
Syd,
Grieving that I won’t hear that voice and that wisdom of yours again. I met you a year after my dad had passed on and in you, I found that special quality of insight, learned humility and presence in the deepest sense of the word that I was so missing with him gone. You saw me, in that meeting with Mary Barrie, at a moment when I most needed to be seen and understood. You became a mentor and a friend and you gave me many gifts. But this was your way, you saw everyone and made them feel listened to and heard. You made me realize many things and I am grateful that I have them with me still, even though I miss your presence amongst us and will always. To Ellen, Jacob and Isaac and all of the family condolences from ours, Araceli, Marcello, Monica and Luigi.
Our most sincere condolences. Our hearts are with you today and in the days to come. May Syd’s memory forever be a blessing.
With love,
The Bleviss Family (Sarah, Katherine & Abraham, Joshua and Lisa) and Susan Lipkin
This is so very sad. Syd was a definite force to contend with, in his profession and in his life. He had a big heart and a bigger persona. I haven’t seen him in years, but I have a smile in my heart when I think of him. Ellen and family, may his memories bring a smile to your soul in this most difficult time. RIP dear Sydney
My deepest condolences to Ellen, Jacob, Isaac, and family.
I consider time to be the greatest asset we have. It is finite and we don’t know how much of it we have.
I’m very grateful for the time Syd chose to share with me.
I only got to know Syd later in life, and was privileged to be one of his many business partners.
And what a partner he was. A unique fireball of insight, ingenuity and generosity.
His unfailing exuberance, combined with sheer uncommon sense will always be an inspiration.
Heartfelt condolences to Jacob, Ellen and Isaac.
I met Syd when he worked with our newly amalgamated charity, Parachute, on our brand development. He was passionate and committed to our mission, bringing his unique approach to the benefit of our organization.
On behalf of the team at Parachute, our sincere condolences.
My condolences to Ellen, Jacob, and Isaac. Syd was truly bigger than life. I always looked forward to meetings at your house; as a smart and interesting man, Syd knew so many other smart and interesting people.
How do you honour a man who made so much glorious noise his entire working life?
I asked myself this question since I heard the news of his passing this morning.
Took me all day to finally come up with the answer.
To be quiet.
To just sit still.
Two things Syd did rarely!
Like so many others here, Syd played an oversized role in my life.
He was an accelerant for so many of us, and his brilliance shone beyond any crazy diamond I have ever seen.
However, it was not the big moments that resonated the deepest for me.
It was the look in his eye, and the way he moved his hands when he heard a piece of music that thrilled him.
It was the ‘wait for it’ face he’d make before presenting his punchlines.
It was his sheer delight in celebrating somebody elses’ success. Beyond pride, and without personal ownership…just a genuine joy for us all when it happened.
I remember a day when I played him an Elvis Costello song ‘Every Day I Write The Book’ and he heard a verse and stopped the track, rewound it, played it again, rewound again, played it again, rewound AGAIN, played it AGAIN and kept saying…’ it’s genius Jode! It’s genius!
I was losing my mind.
Let the song finish Kessler!!!
Nope. He wanted to keep hearing the same verse, over and over again.
The lyric is…
‘Even in a perfect world, where everyone was equal
I’d still own the film rights and be working on the sequel’
I told him that I was sure Elvis must have written it for him;)
I’ll never forget it.
He was lost in the music.
Lost in the words.
And it really was a perfect summary of our Syd.
Always 10 steps ahead of everybody.
Well everyone except Ellen anyway!
To Ellen and Jacob and Isaac and the entire brood, I send my love, my sympathy, and my hope that you know that this man you shared with all of us is still a work in progress. His memory, and the gifts he gave us will live on in all of us and continue to manifest in amazing ways.
Of this I am certain.
Tonight I shed a tear for my dear friend Syd, but it was accompanied by a beautiful arrangement of laughter.
That’s some beautiful music to send you off with Pal.
Yours,
Jody
So shocked and saddened by the news of Syd’s passing. I will always be grateful for the opportunities and mentoring Syd gave me. He was one of a kind and won’t soon be forgotten. My heartfelt condolences to the entire Kessler family and extended families.
Both my wife, Anna and I had(have) Sid and your mom in the highest regard. I was most fortunate to have the frequent opportunity to have many meaningful conversations with Sid, mostly at the Bayview YMCA pool but as well at our respective homes.
Sid was a special person with knowledge, spirit and the ability to explain things few of us could ever match. I was honored that he considered me as his “swimming pool mentor”.
To Ellen, Jacob, Isaac and family, we offer our sincere condolences.
Keep the faith and look after eachother, especially in these difficult times.
Carl and Anna
Dear Ellen Jacob Janice Grand kids Issac Syd’s brother uncle Mike from LA
I am deeply saddened by Syd’s passing
SYD was such a kind and gentle Soul and he would do anything to help improve any one life.
One of my favourite memories is our Sunday morning swim exercises in his pool.
SYD always made me feel special and SOUL MATES for each other.
SYD shared stories about he meet Ellen the love of his life.About his teacher Rav Berg
And how SYD had 5 employees paid for Labatts working exclusively on KABBALH
For 5 years and for each year SYD increased Labatts market share.
As a Tribute to SYD ….I will reach out to being the best person I can be….knowing SYD would want me to be happy.
Hugs Love Peace Blessings &
I’m exercises
My most sincere condolences to Ellen, Jacob, and Isaac. This hurts so much. I did not realize Syd was ill. Syd was bigger than life. He was my hero. He was a genius and a true friend and mentor to all of us. He was the most creative man I have ever met and he was like my family away from home. Syd and Ellen always welcomed us into their home and they had the most amazing dinner parties with wonderful friends. Working for Syd was the highlight of my career and I owe my success to him and Salim and all the amazing artists I was able to meet during all those years. How exciting it was for me at 20 years old, to work in such a creative, fun, challenging and interesting environment. So much laughter. It was family. I am so blessed to have known you Syd and I will never forget you. Thank you for those memories. May we meet again. Lisa
My most sincere condolences to Ellen, Jacob, and Issac. This hurts so much. I did not realize Syd was ill. Syd was bigger than life. He was my hero. He was a genius and a true friend and mentor to all of us. He was the most creative man I have ever met and he was like my family away from home. Syd and Ellen always welcomed us into their home and they had the most amazing dinner parties with wonderful friends. Working for Syd was the highlight of my career and I owe my success to him and Salim and all the amazing artists I was able to meet during all those years. How exciting it was for me at 20 years old, to work in such a creative, fun, challenging and interesting environment. So much laughter. It was family. I am so blessed to have known you Syd and I will never forget you. Thank you for those memories. May we meet again. Lisa
Syd was a true learned scholar in Jewish Kabbalah.His excellence in putting ideas to words is celebrated. I learned so much from him while swimming at the Y.
We were friends for close to a span 60 years.תנצבה
Dear Ellen, Jacob & Isaac, my heart felt condolences to you during this sad and difficult time. I said a prayer for Syd and send you each a hug of strength.
Rest In Peace Syd.
Sincerely, Connie
Syd’s creativity and insightful perspectives were enhanced by his gentle and genuine nature. I am grateful for his partnership. My condolences to Ellen, Jacob and the Kessler family.
I was just a little kid when this big loud hairy guy named Syd would show up at our house on a Sunday morning, salami in hand and start making us all breakfast. Than we would go to the basement and challenge him to a game of ping pong, not sure I ever won, but it sure was fun.
While I had not seen Syd in years, I never forgot those visits.
My condolences to Ellen, Jake and Janice
Dear Ellen, Jacob, Janice, Isaac, and family,
We were so sorry to learn of Syd’s passing. Please know that our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Dianne and Gabby Winterstein and family
Syd was my guru, he was gifted into my life over 25 years ago.
Since that very first day we met not a single day has gone by where our telephone,fax,email or thoughts have not crossed paths.
He was my father,friend,partner and soul mate and showed me what life should be and what life can be.
There is a huge whole in the world today that only his spirit will heal.
I stood on the shoulder of a giant for my time with Syd.
The Kesslers all have the unique love that we have all felt with Syd,
I miss you Syd.
Love KN
Dear Jacob, so sorry to learn of Syd’s passing, my deepest condolences to you and your whole family on your loss. I was only recently re-reading The Perfect System, one of Syd’s books and gifts he left us. I will always remember meeting him on that sunny afternoon back in 2019, and feel so blessed to have had the privilege of meeting him, and getting to know him!
I would also like to convey our deepest condolences on behalf of the American Marketing Association Toronto chapter, and on behalf of Canada’s Marketing Hall of Legends as he is one of our Legends. That’s what he will always be: a Legend!
Dear Ellen, Isaac, Jacob and family,
Sandy and I were so sorry to hear the news of Syd’s passing.
He was such a fascinating and generous man.
I will always remember and treasures our many conversations and his support.
Sending love during this painful and difficult time.
Gail
Ellen, Jacob and Isaac:
Syd was my mentor, friend and relentless supporter. From the time we connected he held a very special place in my heart and his belief and trust in me to lead and succeed – looking at the bigger picture and greater purpose for man and mankind. I feel like I have lost my biggest fan and supporter but I know the time you have spent with me will help me continue to help as many others as I can in whatever capacity I can – just as you did.
Syd you are greatly missed but I will proudly carry your insights and work to help and connect people for a greater good.
xoxoxo
D
Syd Kessler got off the plane from California and turned up in my office one day in the Seventies.
I loved the work he played for me. I loved him.and what he said. I hired him and took him home for dinner.
My mistake. He fell in love with my wife Faila. Turned out they were born on the same day, ten years apart, Faila first. Faila fell for Syd.
April 2nd every year was their day. Flowers turned up in voluminous bunches. Syd and Faila had their private lunches.
I think Syd disappeared from my creative department one day when I turned to look for a facial tissue. Before I knew it, he had set himself up as the resident maven in audio creative and production in his own business.
Was he brilliant? He was brilliant. He really did do things in new ways, organize his business in new ways, help me and a bunch of others in the ad business look good with his and Bob Armes’ and the other creatives in his shops’ music and jingles.
Syd became a close personal friend in a relationship that endured for what, some 50+ years.
It was Faila and Syd and Ellen and I who conspired over dinner one night in his home on Bathurst to form a strategy for introducing Syd as Ellen’s prospective husband to her mother and family. Easy for people in the ad business to “get” Syd. Not so easy for civilians.
Among our fondest memories of Syd is the love and attention he paid to Ellen’s mother over the years.
It was Syd who took our kids to the race track to play the horses and then bought each of them a personal whole pizza for dinner. Who entertained our kids, advised our kids, always cared about our kids.
He was at our shoulder when we, too, needed him.
Gentle Ellen, clever Isaac and Jacob, lovely Janice and their pride of Ellen and Syd’s grandchildren, and all the rest of this unique family…while there is bitterness in your loss, there is also sweetness in one reality…you shared a magnificent life with the one man who continually said, :”This is the best thing I have ever done!”
There is a hole in the ozone layer today.
Syd has been a great friend, business partner and mentor to me. I know I’ll be living the rest of my life with the great comfort of knowing that whenever I face a challenge, personally or professionally, I can ask myself – “what would Syd do?”
My condolences to Ellen, Jake & Janice and Issac. Love you all.