Miss you always Len and Rube. It's not the same without you.... We had so many good times:)

I'm so sorry for the loss of Len. 

I watched him in Dr Simon Locke and Silver Streak as well as the many TV shows

I often was trying to find updates on his career, as  at the time, there seemed very little publicised

However I now see the depth and breath of his career and offer my condolences on his passing

Len and Ruby were dear lifelong friends of my parents from the early days when, as students at Baron Byng, Len and my dad Abe Fish became lifelong buddies, both eventually residing in our city, Toronto.   In the early 60's to 70's, I I remember Len and Ruby fondly as frequent visitors at our Toronto home. Even then Len was quite accomplished as an actor. But, to my family we knew both Len and Ruby as multi-talented, gentle, creative and quite kind.   Amongst his many professional accomplishments in Canada and the US, Len was also artistic, and I recall had a hand at wood working. I remember him visiting and giving me a detailed recipe on how to varnish an old peice of wood that I found!  Once moving to California, I recall the lovely card he sent to my parents of his drawing of their California home with lots of windows.   As my family came from a conventional suburban upbringing, I always thought of both of them as the "coolest" couple and very brave and risque to marry and run to California!  With my father now gone, and  catching up to condolences, we appreciate the fact that even in the last years of their life, both Ruby and Len thought of my dad and our family, offering kind words of condolence at the time of his passing.  Many years have gone by since the old Toronto days but know that Len and Ruby touched our lives and will be fondly remembered.   

I miss you both. All of my life you have been there, full of love, kindness and humour. Always with wit and encouragement. In recent years, Lenny, you have offered me strength and support in shared grief as Ruby and (my mother, a long-time friend from Letchworth) Audrey found their paths to peace. At last you and Rube are united. Bless you both, and thank you for touching our hearts.

First Birthday without both of you. Missing you all the time and knowing you are together ❤️

I’m watching Silver Streak. I never heard of him before but his part in this movie was strong and compelling. I wish I could’ve met him before his passing. 

Len , you have been so much a part of my life. We have shared so many things together. We have talked about your acting , not just stage and screen, but our joint love of musicals. i will always remember my visit with you and ruby, my lovely Godmother. Sitting in the garden and watching the wild life coming to visit with their babies! Also, every time I had a special birthday, you would sing to me - 'Younger than spring time are you'!!!

I will miss our chats about your family history , the time your dad met up with his long lost family and you watched it from afar! What can I say?  I was so moved!

Len, we have shared so much re your Jewish faith, I know that your God will be with you on your final journey,

You are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you so much and hope that you have now met up with Ruby and your family.

.

My Dear Uncle Lenny, we didn’t see each other very often , but one thing I can say is I felt your love and all your words as you spoke . As well my Auntie Ruby . You were 2 peas in a pod ! Same birthdays . It was and will always be Uncle Lenny and Auntie Ruby , I miss you both so much . 

Wendy 

My Lismore toast in their garden

Ruby's yellow Clivia blooming now

Ruby's yellow rose blooming now

beautiful simple wood casket

Rabbi Janet and Mattie before the service

Rabbi Janet

Yesterday was a beautiful send off for Len and Ruby. The service was perfect.  Their essence and souls will   always be with us.  As Rabbi Janet said energy doesn't die.  It was a perfect day,  just enough sun and warmth to make us feel their love.  They were interred together as  was their plan and fitting for the great love they had for each other. The spot they picked was also perfect. In the Garden of Rama. There is a lovely waterfall nearby and a beautiful view of the hills. A beautiful place to visit them and remember all the times spent together. I feel a shift today, some of the weight has been lifted because of the words spoken and gestures made and the feelings shared yesterday among all of us. Mattie picked the perfect Rabbi.  She comforted us with her wisdom and heartfelt sermon.  When I came home after the service I sat in their garden and toasted them in one of Ruby's favorite glasses with a Lismore substitute.  I feel them there.  Fortunately I can visit their garden  whenever I want... If anyone wants to join me please let me know. Their lives were perfect... It was all perfect.

Message from: Christine Wojdylo:

My heartfelt condolences to all family and friends of Len Birman.

I have come to know a little about Len Birman through his sister-in-law, my dear friend Marilyn Birman before his death.

The beautifully written obituary told of an incredible life of a man who took life by the horn and never let go. A love of life able to touch so many through his various forms of art, as actor, sculptor and painter amongst them. The life of Len Birman left its mark for others.

Christine  

Message from Norty Birman:

My brother Len, was eight years old when I was born.  Once I
reached 5 or 6 it was decided by my
parents that Len would become my babysitter. From then on, we had a
very special 'bond'. Len was philosophical, and patient and had a deep
understanding of people, which allowed him to see the bright side of any
predicament. I always looked up to him – he was my idol!  He was accomplished as an artist and actor whether on stage or
screen.  Len had a warm endearing nature, and always found time for
everyone. 

Len, you were the gem of our family. The memories of you can never
fade and will always be blessed. My heart aches knowing you are no longer here, dear brother. 

May your soul rest in peace. Love forever, Norty.

my bday celebration from Len

My dear sweet neighbors... Len and Rube!  They were my beyond friends. I moved in next door 27 years ago and  we became friends instantly.  Ruby had designed a pathway and special gate between our back yards with the previous owners. It was meant for easy access to each others gardens, which she had designed.  We did 'pop overs' regularly.  I'd pop over after work, weekends and whenever and they'd pop over for my family & friend gatherings, dinners etc.  So many times just hanging out with them on their patio. So many holidays and birthdays spent together. 

Now Len has left us... he called me his adopted daughter, he'd sign it AD on cards to me.  The past year he would say to me every time we parted "I love you" and I would say "I love you" back and we knew we were preparing for him to go. I was there through all the hospital stays but this final one I knew.  I saw him the Wednesday before he left us. I brought one of my pictures of him and Ruby and a lovely orchid.  Ruby's favorite flower.  I showed him the picture and told him Ruby was waiting for him... and she wanted him to go to her,  she'd been waiting a long time.  Within a few minutes he looked up at the ceiling and called out Ruby, Ruby, Ruby pretty loud and I said, she's there right? Then he got a bit more animated.  I put my hands to my heart and told him our souls are connected and they are forever and we'll all be together again on our next journey. Ruby had told me early on about a book she read years back that said the ones close to us in this life are souls we're connected to from our past lives and will continue to be connected to.  And I said I believe it because look how connected we are.  So I now with a heavy heart and many tears I say good bye to my special ones in this life!! They were my family, friends, confidants, advisors, champions.  We loved each other deeply!!! We had many laughs...so many!!!  I know Len has passed but  they were a unit. Len & Rube.  How blessed was I to have them in my life for all these years.  Len the philosopher, poet, actor, comedian, man of style and grace.  In closing I will say Unconditional Love!!! that is what we had...

Thank you,

Darlene

Len and Ruby were my neighbors for 21 years. I always enjoyed sitting with both of them in their amazing garden, full of life, raccoons, and stories. Then later with just Len, ordering Chinese food and having amazing inspiring conversations.  I always left there feeling better.                                                                                          Len, that's a wrap on you, exit stage right, and be with Ruby again, you will be missed.

BK Miller