Obituary of Arlie Katzman

KATZMAN, ARLEN KIMBERLEY  “Arlie”– 

On Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Arlie passed away peacefully at home, after “a good run”, at age 93. Devoted and beloved partner of Elizabeth Hodd.  Loving and beloved father of his latedaughter, Melissa Katzman, and son and daughter-in-law, Jamie and Erin Katzman. Proud grandfather of Jemma, Avery and Seth Katzman.  Devoted son of the late Ida and late Harry Katzman, Brother and Brother-in-law of the late Florence and late Jack Nepon, the late Rhoda and the late Honourable Allan Goodman; and the late Rheva and late Mack Rosen. Caring former husband of Melissa and Jamie’s mother, Edy Katzman. Arlie will be greatly missed by his nieces, nephews, their spouses and their children. 

Arlie spent his entire life in the Niagara region. Having grown up in a close-knit family with limited financial resources, it is not surprising that his life came to be exemplified by his strong work ethic and his total devotion to both his own and extended family.

In 1963, Arlie’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to open a small Sporting Goods store (“Arlie’s Sport Shop”) on St. Paul Street, in St. Catharines. Over the following six decades, through his and his children’s efforts, along with key executives Anthony DiFruscia and Lauren Berger ,“Arlie’s” evolved into “Boathouse”, a family-owned chain of approximately 125 stores across Canada (and, more recently, the U.S).

Following the devastating loss of Melissa due to cancer at age 31 in 1999, Arlie ensured that she not be forgotten by committing significant resources both to Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto and to the St. Catharines General HospitalCancer Centre. 

The family thanks Elizabeth for the loving and incredible care she has taken of Arlie, allowing him to remain at home where he was most comfortable.  The family also thanks Dr.Brian Kerley, Dr. Rory Schafer, and nurses Helen, Paul,  Nurse Practioner Diane Zwartz, and Sandra’s Home Health Care Services.

 The funeral will take place at Garden City Funeral Home, 39 Court street, on Friday, September 27th, 2024, at 1 p.m., following the funeral service, the burial will take place at B’nai Israel Cemetery, 100 Bunting Rd., St. Catharines, ON L2P 3G9.

There will be no formal shiva. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that a donation be made in Arlie’s  honour to the Melissa Ann Katzman Cancer Research Fund Princess Margaret Hospital Toronto.

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