SCHACHER, Victor

A graveside service has been held at Adas Israel Cemetery,  575 Old York Road, Burlington

Dr. Victor (Vic) Schacher 1940-2024
It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Vic Schacher on December 15, 2024, at the age of 84. Dr. Schacher will be greatly missed by his loving children: Craig (Nikki), Joe (Stephanie), Amanda (Jeff), and Candace; and grandchildren: Amber, Chloe, Nicholas, Nate and Jake. He is preceded in death by his dear parents Bella and Nathan Schacher. He is survived by his younger brother Dr. Joel Schacher. Dr. Schacher will be missed by many patients, friends, and colleagues. He will also be truly missed by his pack: Toto, Rihanna, Mickey, Bella, and KiwiHerman.

Dr. Schacher was a much loved and admired orthodontist with practice locations in Hamilton, Brantford, and Simcoe, Ontario. Over his 57 years in practice he was committed to excellence in patient care and instilled the same values in his loyal staff.

Dr. Schacher was born to parents Bella and Nathan Schacher on January 3rd, 1940 in Toronto, Ontario. Growing up in humble circumstances, Dr. Schacher made it clear from an early age that he had great ambitions. Initially considering a career in waste management as a garbage man he decided instead to set his sights on dental school.

Dr. Schacher graduated from the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry in 1963. He spent he following year at the University of Buffalo, working as a research assistant for Dr. James Anderson, one of the founders of the McMaster School of Medicine, teaching human growth and development to graduate anthropology and orthodontic students. Having never taught before he was mentored by Dr. Anderson and his unique approach of Problem Based Learning.

It was only natural that Dr. Schacher would pursue a career in orthodontics, which specializes in the growth, development, and movement of teeth within the jaws, affecting facial balance. He was honoured to pursue his orthodontic education at Eastman Dental Center, Rochester, New York, one of the top orthodontic training programs in the world. He graduated in 1967. Dr. Schacher credited his mentors at Eastman- Dr. Subtelny, Dr. Bibby and Dr. Baker- for shaping him into an exceptional orthodontist.

For almost 20 years Dr. Schacher was Educational Director of the Dental Residency Program for the Hamilton Civic Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. He taught dental residents preventive and interceptive orthodontics and TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) management in this program. Dr. Schacher has been the president of The Brant County Dental Society since 1998 (26 years!). He also served as president of the Hamilton Academy of Dentistry in 1989. As of recently Dr. Schacher was a visiting professor at Eastman Dental Center in Rochester.

Dr Schacher opened his first practice in Brantford, Ontario in 1968. He reminisced that his office space was so small that in order to take an x-ray everyone had to leave the office! From these modest beginnings he built a practice that spanned 4 offices in Brantford, Hamilton and Simcoe serving over 32,000 patients. That’s 32,000 smiling faces he added to this world. He considered himself an “orthodontic grandfather” as he had patients that spanned generations, that is, he was the orthodontist for grandmother, mother, and child.

Dr. Schacher felt that the orthodontic office should be a happy place for children and adults alike.  To that end he built his offices with the concept of Disney theme parks in mind. He loved film  and fun; every office had to have a movie theatre so that the office was an enjoyable place to be.  The office was a cheerful place where Dr. Schacher hosted many birthday parties, girls and boys  clubs events, Dental Society meetings and epic office parties with staff and patients after hours. It truly was always a “great day at Schacher Orthodontics”.

Those who knew Dr. Schacher in his personal life knew he was met with MANY challenges. He overcame them all. To Dr. Schacher, giving up was simply not an option. He instilled this belief in his family and his staff and they aspire to emulate his perseverance.

Dr. Schacher was well known for his brilliant mind and quick wit. He always had something insightful or funny (or both) to say. It seemed that whatever exploit he embarked upon, be it singing in a four piece band, running a magazine business, showing horses, investing, or scheming, he was quite simply destined for excellence. Whatever he did, he did it best.

Special thanks to every single member of Dr. Schacher’s staff: Jane, Judy, Carol, Honey, Misty, Heather, Daniela, Debbi, Mike, Stephanie, Richere, Gervend, Jodi, Emma, Taylor, Brooke and Dr. Mike Veer, who have always been like family and have been unwavering in their trust and support of Dr. Schacher and the practice. We would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to friends Tanya Leigh and Joe Foris for their dedication to Dr. Schacher’s health over the past few years.

A private family service and interment has taken place. Celebration of Life to be held in the New Year with details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to The Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation would be greatly appreciated. www.dreamcatchercharity.org