Reuben Cohen, Moncton philanthropist, dies at 93
Reuben Cohen, a well-known Moncton lawyer and philanthropist, has died. He was 93.
Cohen was known in the region for supporting the arts and education.
For his efforts, he was named to the Order of Canada in 1979 and he was given the Order of New Brunswick in 2010.
Cohen earned the Order of New Brunswick “for his contributions to the advancement of academic excellence in Atlantic Canada and the success of social endeavours in his home community of Moncton.”
There is the Galeried’artLouise-et-Reuben-Cohen at the University of Moncton.
Premier Brian Gallant said he was "saddened" to hear of Cohen's death.
"On behalf of the provincial government, I offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of this great individual," Gallant said in a statement.
"As we reflect on the life of such a fine New Brunswicker, we can all learn from Reuben Cohen’s example of giving back to the community."
Cohen received a law degree from Halifax’s Dalhousie University in 1944 and started a law practice in 1945. But Cohen made his mark and money as a financier.
He founded Central Guaranty Trust Corporation, which expanded into a multi-billion dollar empire liquidated in 1992. A child of the depression, Cohen often commented on his modest beginning and turn to prominent businessman.
He was the chancellor of Dalhousie University from 1990 to 1994.
He was also heavily involved in fundraising for many Moncton organizations, such as the YMCA of Greater Moncton, the Friends of the Moncton Hospital Foundation Inc. and the Moncton Rotary Club.
Zane Korytko, the chief executive officer of the YMCA of Greater Moncton, said Cohen played a pivotal role in the YMCA's growth.
"Reuben was the patriarch of the Moncton YMCA who oversaw a great period of growth for our Y. He was a respected leader in the Moncton community as well as regionally, nationally and internationally," Korytko said.
"He always had the Y in his heart and was a mentor to many a YMCA leader."
