Dr. Mortimer Levy

With profound sadness and unending love we announce the passing of Dr. Mortimer Levy, peacefully, at home - exactly where he wanted to be - on April 6th, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born onto the rough streets of east Montreal in 1936 to the late Samuel and Esther (nee Betwenik) Levy, he was a loving and devoted husband to Marsha (Geller) his wife of nearly 60 years, brother to the late Leo Levy (Evelyn Greenberg), father to Brian (Bohenna Baik) and Josh (Jill Lipsitz), grandfather to Aden, Sydney, Noah, Nathan and Myka, brother in-law to the late Larry and Nancy Geller, Brenda and the late Dr. Mitch Halperin, Sonia Geller and Dr. Warren Steiner, and uncle to many many cherished nephews, nieces and grand nieces and grand nephews, and numerous cousins and good good friends.

Mort attended the legendary Baron Byng high school while spending afternoons at the Talmud Torah cheder. He was the first in his family to attend university, graduating as a University Scholar in 1957 from McGill University Honours Physiology. He became a medical doctor in 1961 receiving the Lieutenant-Governor's bronze medal in physiology and completed his residency in medicine and nephrology at the Royal Victoria Hospital. He went on to work as a research fellow at Boston University Medical Center and in 1969 returned to the Royal Victoria Hospital as a medical research scholar and assistant professor of medicine and physiology at McGill University, becoming full professor in 1976 with a unique talent for lecturing and mentoring that shaped generations of physicians and nephrologists. He served as director of the Nephrology division from 1984 through 1998. Over the span of his career his research in renal physiology formed him into a leading world authority on fluid management and kidney function in liver disease. When not in the lab or the classroom, he could be found in the clinic, caring for patients. In May 2000, Dr. Levy was awarded the MUHC Physician in Chief Award for outstanding excellence in the delivery of medical care and mentorship.

Unwaveringly devoted to family, his kind and gentle nature, biting wit, razor sharp intellect, thoughtfulness and generosity always shone through. He was always supportive and compassionate, genuinely interested and inquisitive, always quick with a captivating anecdote, a lighthearted story, or an encouraging word. Never far from a good book, he was a voracious reader of all subjects but particularly enjoyed mysteries, solving puzzles, and Judaica. He was passionate about photography and the awesome beauty of nature.

He is dearly loved and will be fondly remembered as a doctor, teacher, mentor, author, speaker, humourist, husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Funeral service from Paperman & Sons, 3888 Jean Talon St. W, Friday April 10th, 11am. Burial at the Tifereth Beth David Jerusalem (TBDJ) Section of the Baron de Hirsch Cemetery, 5015 De la Savane St. Shiva at his home.

Contributions in Dr. Mortimer Levy's memory may be made to the MUHC Foundation, for benefit of the Annual Dr. Mortimer Levy Nephrology Award at click here or call MUHC Foundation Tel: 514-843-1543.