Dr. Samuel O. Freedman, OC, CQ, FRSC

Peacefully, on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at the age of 98. Beloved and devoted husband of Norah Freedman (Maizel) for 71 years. Loving father and father-in-law of David and Diane, Daniel, Bram and Sara, Liz and Avrum. Proud Grandpa Sam of Alex, Noah and Catherine, David and Patricia, Zoë and Nathaniel, Joshua and Mira, Sari, and Jonah. Cherished Great Grandpa Sam of Céleste, Elliott, and Eden. Predeceased by his parents Abraham O. Freedman and Elvira (Gottheil) Freedman and by his brother Richard Freedman. Brother-in-law of the late Sandra (Maizel) and the late Senator E. Leo Kolber. Sam had an illustrious career as an internationally acclaimed scientist, physician and academic administrator. A recipient of the Order of Canada, Order of Quebec, Prix Armand-Frappier and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, he spent his entire professional life affiliated with McGill University and two of its teaching hospitals. McGill Dean of Medicine and later Vice-Principal Academic, Sam also led the Jewish General Hospital’s Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research for almost a decade. Sam led his life with ethical clarity and rigour and although he was soft-spoken and modest, you always knew where you stood with him. While he was not a demonstrative man, he was utterly devoted to his family. Until the very end of his life, Sam looked forward to shabbat dinners surrounded by 3 generations of his family.Heartfelt gratitude to his caregivers of the last several years for their compassionate care – Mia Valenti, Luminita Cristea, Imee Benesen, Elma Climacosa and Angella Shan. Special thanks as well to the team of 4C Hope Pavilion Jewish Eldercare for their respectful care of the last 4 months.Funeral service from Paperman & Sons, (address not shown), on Friday, November 13 at 11:00 a.m. Burial at Congregation Shaar Hashomayim Cemetery. Shiva through Monday evening. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Jewish General Hospital Foundation, (514) 340-8251 or click here.