Morley Torgov, a renowned lawyer and accomplished author, passed away at the age of 98, leaving behind a rich legacy of literary humour and a deep connection to his Jewish roots. Best known for his memoir, *A Good Place to Come From*, published when he was 47, Torgov’s career spanned decades, during which he penned seven novels, many of which are celebrated for their wit and insight into the human experience.
A Late Bloomer in Literature
Born on December 3, 1927, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Torgov’s journey into writing began in his youth, but it wasn’t until later in life that he truly took his first steps as a published author. His memoir, released in 1974, chronicles his upbringing in a burgeoning Jewish community during the 1930s and 40s. Torgov’s father, Allen, a Russian émigré and veteran of World War I, ran a women’s clothing store, which served as the backdrop to many of Morley’s formative experiences.
In reflecting on his father’s journey to Canada, Torgov wrote: “The Algoma Steel plant there was taking on hundreds of immigrants from Italy and the Slavic countries. The town held potential riches for a clothing man who didn’t mind working eight days a week, could communicate in the foreigners’ lingo and was fast with a tape measure.” This blend of humour and nostalgia is a hallmark of Torgov’s writing style.
Recognised for His Wit
The memoir earned Torgov the prestigious Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour in 1975, an accolade he would receive again in 1983 for *The Outside Chance of Maximilian Glick*, a comic novel that later inspired a film showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival. Torgov’s literary contributions often intertwine Jewish cultural themes with a comedic lens, offering a unique perspective that resonated with a wide audience.
At Torgov’s funeral, son-in-law Douglas Steinberg shared a poignant anecdote that encapsulates the late author’s character: “Morley was once flown out to Winnipeg to serve as its Jewish book fair’s guest speaker, where he was wined and dined. After all, he was an award-winning Jewish novelist, the new Mordecai Richler of Canada, or as Morley dryly self-deprecated, ‘world famous in Canada.’”
A Multifaceted Life
Despite his literary achievements, Torgov maintained a successful career in law, working as a partner in a small Toronto firm where his expertise spanned various specialisations, including real estate and corporate law. He balanced this demanding role with his passion for writing, often crafting stories during the evenings and weekends. His daughter, Sarah Torgov, noted the breadth of his creativity, recalling, “He was always writing even before he was published, such as one-act plays with a friend of his. He was a fantastic cartoonist.”
Torgov’s interests extended beyond writing; he was a lover of classical music, vintage films, and contemporary culture. His eclectic taste and curiosity about the world around him reflected his vibrant personality. As a devoted husband to Anna Pearl Cohen, who he married in 1952, and a father to his children, Torgov’s family often found him engrossed in music or the latest news, displaying a genuine enthusiasm for life and learning.
Continuing the Conversation
In his later years, Torgov faced health challenges but maintained his characteristic humour, even chronicling his experience with West Nile virus in a light-hearted piece for *The Globe and Mail*. He was known for his quick wit, which endeared him to friends and family alike. The Lunch Bunch, a group of friends who gathered daily for lunch in Toronto, recalled how Torgov’s sense of humour was a cornerstone of their conversations, where the only rule was to steer clear of professional matters.
Morley Torgov’s literary and professional journeys reflect a life well-lived, filled with laughter, creativity, and a profound commitment to his heritage.
Why it Matters
Morley Torgov’s passing marks the loss of a literary voice that not only entertained but also engaged readers in meaningful dialogues about identity, culture, and the human condition. His contributions to Canadian literature, especially within the Jewish community, spotlight the importance of storytelling in preserving cultural narratives. Torgov’s unique blend of humour and heartfelt reflection ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire aspiring writers and readers alike, reminding us that it is never too late to share our stories with the world.