It is with great sadness that the family of Victor “Vic” Russell Goldman announce his passing on August 13, 2026, at home in Stouffville at the age of 79 surrounded by family. The final weeks of his life were filled with visits from family, friends and neighbours, a true testament to the impact he had on others and a life filled with love and community involvement.
Vic was born on August 20, 1946 to Hazel Bailey and Russell Goldman at Toronto General Hospital and grew up in Scarborough, Ontario with his younger siblings, Jim and Dianne.
Vic was honoured to serve throughout his life in the Canadian Army Reserve, with the 48th Highlanders and later with the Army Cadet Corps at St. Andrews College. Upon retirement he continued his service as a founding member of the 15th Battalion CEF Memorial Project with his best friend Greg Young in the development of a series of eleven Great War Battlefield memorials in France and Belgium. His greatest interest was military history which led to him joining the Army Reserve at the age of 16 and to work at Old Fort York in Toronto where he met his beloved Daphne.
Vic married Daphne Callaghan in 1967 and soon started a family. Vic and Daphne were blessed with four children, Katharine (Dean), Patricia (Guy), Jennifer (Jim) and Scott (Jessica) and eight grandchildren, Ryan (Amy), Shawn (Paige), Julia, Briana, Harry, Kiy, Hadley and Finn, all of whom have grown up knowing his love and support. Following Daphne’s death, Vic married Margaret “Peg” Kirby in 2017 with whom he shared many adventures until his passing.
While working to support his young family, Vic obtained a BA from McMaster University and a certificate from teacher’s college. He served as a dedicated elementary school teacher for 35 years in the Scarborough Public School Board; however, his true passion was always the military. Vic joined the 48th Highlanders as a Private infantryman in 1963 and progressed steadily through the ranks to become the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) in 1984 before leaving that position in 1991 following the 100th Anniversary of the Regiment. He was then commissioned as an Officer in the rank of Captain and served on the staff of 32 Brigade Group in the Battle School and later in Public Affairs. Vic left the Primary Reserve in 2006 but continued to serve as a Cadet Instructor with the St. Andrew’s College Cadet Corps until mandatory retirement at age 65. During his 49 years of service Vic was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration with three Clasps, the 125th Anniversary of Confederation Medal and the Queen’s Diamond and Golden Jubilee Medals.
Visitation will be on Friday, September 11, 2026. Particulars are at VISITATION PARTICULARS.
Funeral services will be on Sunday, September 12, 2026. See FUNERAL DETAILS.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to a food bank or donations in his name to the 15th Battalion CEF Memorial Project.