IT IS WITH SADNESS WE ADVISE THAT IRVIN BRODER PASSED AWAY PEACEFULLY TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2017

Many of our newest members of the South Simcoe Arts Council may not have known Irv and Elsa Broder. For those longer term members; you will remember them with fondness and a smile.

In 2010 the South Simcoe Arts Council honoured Irv and Elsa Broder for their commitment to the community through the arts. For many year’s Elsa, a Board Member of the South Simcoe Arts Council oversaw the highly successful Youth Art’s by the River program which was held at the Millpond Cafe. As of 2017, we celebrate the Youth Arts Program 20th year!

The Broder's had made a huge commitment to economic development in Alliston. Irv Broder had been the driving force in the creation and sustaining of our downtown core. The Millpond Group gave birth to the arts in our community and Elsa Broder's co-operative gallery offered the first opportunity for local artists to showcase their work.

Throughout the years Elsa shared her love of the arts, her pottery and her will to provide opportunities for youth, in particular the Youth Arts Program that she carefully shaped each year.

Youth Arts By The River is a juried show for youth, kindergarten to grade 12, of original art, both two and three-dimensional. Each entry received a Certificate of Participation along with positive written feed back from an outside adjudicator.

Elsa, a psychiatrist, truly believed that youth that participated or attended art’s activities appeared to be significantly healthier, have lower anxiety and less subjected to depression. Arts have been shown to empower youth, especially at-risk youth, to succeed in school, in work and in later life.

Time has passed very quickly, wherein on Monday, April 28, 2014 we were saddened to hear that Elsa Broder had passed away. I now wish to share with you the passing of:

BRODER, Irvin
Devoted husband, father, respirology researcher, philanthropist, dog lover and gentleman farmer. Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at Baycrest Hospital, surrounded by loved ones. Irvin Broder was predeceased by his parents George and Rebecca Broder and his sister Roberta Fremont. He is survived by his loving children Rebecca, Sarah and David, grandchildren Jessica and Matthew Broder, his brother Harold and step- brother Murray. Irvin will be lovingly remembered at Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel, 2401 Steeles Avenue West (3 lights west of Dufferin) for service on Friday, January 13, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. Interment Holy Blossom Memorial Park. Shiva at 130 Seaton Street, Toronto.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to South Simcoe Arts Council, 1-705-435-2378 and Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation, 1-705-435-6281.