I’m honoured to rise today to pay tribute to the late Mr. David Rotenberg, who served as the Conservative MPP for the former riding of Wilson Heights—later incorporated into the ridings of York Centre, Willowdale, and Eglinton–Lawrence—from 1977 to 1985. He was appointed the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs in 1978 and later appointed parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Housing in 1981.

I’d like to welcome and thank Mr. Rotenberg’s wonderful family and friends who are here with us today. I know this list has grown from when it was first envisioned that you would come, and I know that you are all here with pride. I know the Speaker mentioned your names, but it’s an honour to mention your names as well.

We’re joined by his stepchildren Jacob Freedman and Jonathan Freedman; his niece Reena Greenwald; his nephews Noam Rotenberg and Paul Rotenberg; his great-nephew Zev Rotenberg; his grandchildren Joshua Freedman and Elishua Benchoreen; his great-grandchildren Ora Aviner, Shoshana Aviner and Tiferet Aviner; and former MPPs David Warner, Judy Marsales and Phil Gillies. Thank you all for being here.

Born in Toronto in 1930, he never lost his love and affinity for the city, taking great pride in the belief that Toronto is one of the greatest cities of the western world.

At eight years old, Mr. Rotenberg realized his passion for politics during the 1938 municipal election, when he successfully predicted the four controllers who won the nine-way contest in his then ward of Rosedale. I hope he played the lottery.

He went on to study political science and economics at the University of Toronto and graduated with honours in 1952.

Prior to his service in the Legislature of Ontario, Mr. Rotenberg had already garnered a rich career in politics and public service. In 1961, he won his first campaign and was elected to the city of Toronto council, where he served until 1972. Concurrently, he served on the Metro Toronto council and as president of the city of Toronto council from 1970 to 1972.

During his time serving in municipal politics, Mr. Rotenberg fought to make the city much more livable—something we definitely have to do today, as well. He supported the creation of more parks, stricter pollution laws, and faster action on urban renewal and housing programs.

Afterwards, he served as the commissioner for the TTC, from 1975 to 1977, before winning his first provincial election campaign.

Despite a tireless career in politics and community service, Mr. Rotenberg always made time for his family. He spent more time with his family than the average politician during his time in office. After council meetings, it was conventional to go out for dinner on the city. However, Mr. Rotenberg always chose to go home and have dinner with his family and was always home on Friday nights for family night.

Mr. Rotenberg was likewise an involved member of his community. His community service is remarkably extensive and consists of service with the Toronto Jewish Congress, where he served as vice-president and treasurer; the Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto, where he served as president; the Armour Heights Lodge, where he served as president; the Shaarei Shomayim Synagogue, where he served as a board member; and the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, where he served as honorary director. Mr. Rotenberg was named an honorary officer in the Canadian Jewish Congress.

Former Speaker Mr. David Warner had the following to say about Mr. Rotenberg: “David Rotenberg was a serious, hard-working MPP. I appreciated working with him on committee because he was a good listener, highly principled and co-operative.”

Mr. Warner also recalls sharing with us that he agreed to participate in a charity boxing match with him once. He was told his opponent would be another MPP. He thought nothing much of the anticipated match and certainly didn’t think he could get hurt—that was until his opponent turned out to be Mr. Rotenberg. Mr. Warner discovered all too late that Mr. Rotenberg took this event with the same seriousness he applied to his parliamentary duties. There turned out to be no need for a bell to end round 1, and the following days left Mr. Warner feeling quite sore and achy. His only consolation was that the Boys and Girls Club in Regent Park garnered a few extra dollars—certainly, at his expense.

Mr. Rotenberg was truly a loving family man, a man of community service, and a dear friend to many.

Again, I would like to welcome and thank Mr. Rotenberg’s wonderful family and friends who are here with us today to share this.

Mr. Rotenberg lives on in his immortalized words in Hansard and in the many results of the efforts he made throughout his political career. Most of all, he lives on in the lives and memories of his loving and proud family and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.