A tribute to Salah Bachir (1955–2026): A quiet titan of generosity who left Paris better than he found it

Chris Whelan

Editor

The news of Salah Bachir’s passing on October 8, 2026, at the age of 71, carries a profound weight, not just for the Canadian arts community, human rights advocates, and healthcare institutions where his name is legendary, but right here in Paris, Ontario.

I first encountered the name Salah Bachir in May 1995, as Paris marked 50 years since the end of the Second World War. under circumstances that sounded like local folklore. Rumours swept through town that Hollywood royalty, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., was stopping in Paris to pay tribute at our cenotaph. As it turned out, the visit was real, and it had been arranged entirely by Bachir, who had recently purchased and restored the historic Charles Whitlaw house into his country retreat.

That introduction was only the beginning of a decades-long relationship between Bachir and our town. While the world knew him as a publisher, art collector, and Order of Canada recipient, Paris knew him as the quiet benefactor who stepped up whenever our community needed help.

When our town’s downtown Christmas decorations were in dire need of replacement, Salah quietly bought them. When our annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony faced cancellation, he stepped in to save it. His generosity helped to improve our town: spaces at the Brant Sports Complex and the Cowan Health Hub bear the names of Salah Bachir and his husband, Jacob Yerex, honoring their support in bringing those vital facilities to life.

When Salah published his memoir, First to Leave the Party, I had the opportunity to write about him for The Paris Independent. True to form, he was gracious, sharp, and deeply humble about a life spent lifting others up.

In his final message to the world, written in his own words before his passing after a prolonged illness, Salah reflected on a life full of joy, purpose, and gratitude:

"Salah John Bachir. October 3, 1955 - October 8, 2026

Salah wrote this before he passed. He spent the end of his life surrounded by family and friends, after a prolonged illness.

I have had an amazing life that I am lucky to have shared with my wonderful husband, Jacob Yerex, two brothers and two sisters, eight nieces and nephews, eight grandnieces and nephews, 15 godchildren and a fantastic daughter, all of whom have brought me immense joy.

It is my greatest source of pride that my work in the arts, social justice and philanthropy has been recognized so generously: I am a member of the Order of Canada and of the Order of Ontario, have received five honorary doctorates and many other awards I am most thankful for, and was proud to serve as chancellor at OCAD U. Two of St. Joseph’s dialysis centres in Toronto are named for Jacob and I, and a wing at The 519 community centre carries my name, as do spaces at the Art Gallery of Ontario and elsewhere.

Other sources of personal pride include having the best olive oil - Salah’s Gold - from our olive groves in the Lebanese village where I was born; having twice served as the Grand Marshal of the Toronto Pride parade; and the thrilling occasion of having k.d.lang sing at our wedding.

I feel as though I have lived several lives and I am profoundly grateful to the friends, family and colleagues whose support has helped me realize my dreams and make my achievements possible.

It would be impossible for me to adequately express my love and thanks to Jacob, my husband of 20 years, whose strength, patience, devotion, loyalty and unfailing good humour have been my greatest joy and comfort throughout our years together. I am also grateful for the amazing care, love, and support I have received from my incredible nurse Nida Caringal.

My medical journey has been long, and there are many people who deserve my thanks, first among them my kidney donor in 2019, Tracey Agnew.

My heartfelt thanks also go to my GPs over the years, Dr. Jonathan Luetkehoelter and Dr. David Tilly, for their love and care, and to Dr. Edward Cole, Dr. Kevin Smith, and the nurses and doctors at Toronto General Hospital. Also, to Dr. Joanna Sasal, Dr. Adriana Berbece, Maria Dyck and everyone at St. Joe’s in Toronto, my local hospital where I did my dialysis. Thank you as well to Dr. Christine Ribic, and the fantastic nurses at St. Joseph's Hamilton.

We have the best healthcare in the world in Canada - don’t let anyone f*ck it up!

Thank you to my family and friends who took care of me with the best meals and company, and to my family in Lebanon, especially Nouha and Adnan Makary, and my sister Anissa Bachir for their constant love and support.

There will be a funeral visitation on October 14th from 7-9PM at the Turner & Porter Yorke chapel at 2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto. The funeral ceremony will be October 15th at 11am at the same location.

In lieu of sending anything like flowers, it would be greatly appreciated if donations could instead be made to the Salah Bachir Fund at the 519: the519.org/salah

Christopher, I never gave up.

Love, sjb"

To close his final message with a personal note, "Christopher, I never gave up", is a testament to the strength and warmth that defined everything Salah did. He never gave up on healthcare, on community, on art, or on making the world a kinder place for everyone around him.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to Jacob, his family, and his many friends across Canada and around the world. Paris is a far better place for having had Salah Bachir as part of its story.