J. Edmund Kaufman

April 18, 1916 - October 20, 2012

On Saturday evening, October 20, 2012 Edmund Kaufman retired after 96 1/2 years of dedication to his family and community. Born at home in Waterloo on April 18, 1916. Predeceased by his wife Jean (McFarlane) Kaufman (1977).

Survived by his children Susan Kaufman (Ron Wilson) of Tucson, Arizona and James Kaufman (Susan Blair) of Guelph; granddaughters Rachel Kaufman Behling and Jennifer Stitt; great-granddaughter, Bronte Mae Behling; siblings Carl (Eleanor), Mary Eleanor Merritt (Tom, deceased) and Bob (Bette); sister-in-law Margaret McFarlane (Nashville); many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Edmund was a WWII veteran, a former owner of Kaufman Lumber Ltd. and, until his death, owned and still worked at Schlichter's Ltd. In 2010 he was honoured by the City of Kitchener along with five other community businesses that had reached milestones in the community.

Edmund was a long-term member of the KW Sales and Ad Club and St. John Ambulance, earning Commander of the Order of St. John (1983). Among his many philanthropic endeavours, modelled after his late parents, Milton and Edith (Oetzel) Kaufman, and grandparents, Jacob and Mary (Ratz) Kaufman, he was proud to mentor the recent creation of The Kaufman Arts Studio.

The Kaufman family gratefully thanks their extended family, friends and Schlichter's staff for their love and support. Special thanks to the staff of Victoria Place for their tender care of Edmund. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the St. John Ambulance, 519-579-6285, www.kwsja.ca; The Working Centre, 519-743-1151, www.theworkingcentre.org; or favorite charity will be appreciated.

Please take a moment to share the essence of "Papa", http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVtr7N1TH7g.

Cremation has taken place. A reception to honour, celebrate and remember Edmund's life will be held at Ratz-Bechtel Family Centre from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 27, 2012.