Mr. Irwin Beutel, ob'm
Yitzchok Gedaliah ben Binyamin
This week we lost a dear and devoted friend. Irwin Beutel passed away on Tuesday after a brief illness. His passing leaves a void in our hearts and our community.
There exists three crowns of glory, says the Mishna: The crown of Torah, the crown of Royalty and the crown of the Kohen. However, the Mishna informs us, there is a crown that supercedes them all: Keter Shem Tov, The Crown of the Good Name.
Irwin was graced with the Crown of the Good Name.
He was one of few words, but great deeds. His was a generous spirit, and he gave of his time and his resources to many an organization. He was kind, gentle and gracious; a true gentleman, or as we say, a true mentch. He was sensitive, caring and compassionate. He had a wonderful smile a beautiful sense of humor. He cherished life and celebrating it with the people he cared about and loved. Irwin took great joy in thesimchas of others and was always delighted to share in a festive celebration. He was a dear and loyal friend.
Irwin cared passionately about Israel. He visited there every year and was involved with many organizations there, most notably Tel Aviv University. He was dedicated to Jewish education and continuity, and supported a myriad of Jewish schools and outreach projects, including the acclaimed Chabad of Westmount Irwin Beutel Lecture Series.
Walk Modestly with G-d, we are enjoined. Irwin did so with grace and sensitivity. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and good deeds, and a most a glorious crown of his good name.
May his memory be for a blessing.
