Mervin Mirsky fonds

Mervin Mirsky (b. 1904 - d. June 24, 2010) was the son of David and Sadie Mirsky, grandson of Rev. Jacob Mirsky. David, along with his brothers Norman and John (Jack), worked for his father's company, Pure Springs Ltd., and specialised in sales, merchandise, and promotions. Mervin left the family business for a short period when he enlisted to fight in the Second World War. In 1945 he was attached to allied headquarters in the liberated town of Breda, Holland. While serving in Europe, Mervin participated in the liberation of two concentration camps and carried the memories of what he encountered with him for the remainder of his life. For the remainder of his life Mervin would take care to confront Holocaust deniers, notably confronting David Irving in a public lecture. He returned from Europe having married an Englishwoman, Barbara Martin, who returned with him as a war bride. Mervin and Barbara had four children - Philip (b. January 28, 1948), Jane (b. April 20, 1949), Michael (b. January 31, 1951), and Brian (b. March 2, 1954). After returning from Europe, Mervin worked with his twin brother Jack in law but soon returned to work at Pure Springs Ltd. Mervin Mirsky ran Pure Springs Ltd. until 1987, continuing his leadership after the company was sold to Crush in the 1960's. Mervin was actively involved in philanthropic activities in both the Jewish and secular communities. In the 1970's he co-chaired a campaign to create the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. He was also a one time chair of the Ottawa Food Bank. Mervin, with his wife Barbara, were pioneering forces in the building of the Rockcliffe Public Library. Mervin Mirsky was the President of the Jewish Community Council from 1964 - 1967.