Morris Dancyger, a Holocaust survivor and cherished member of Calgary's arts and Jewish community, passed away on May 12, 2026, at the age of 86. His death has left many 'shattered' and in mourning, remembering a man defined by his resilience, compassion, and profound impact on the city's cultural landscape.
Born in 1940 in the Radom Ghetto in Poland, Dancyger endured unimaginable horrors from an early age. In 1943, he and his family were transported to Auschwitz-Birkenau in a cattle car. He was one of the very few children to survive the camp, liberated at just four and a half years old by the Red Army in 1945. A poignant photo taken shortly after liberation shows him and other children displaying the numbers tattooed on their tiny forearms.
His father, Shmuel Dancyger, had been sent to forced labor in a weapons factory before being taken to Auschwitz. Separated from his family, Shmuel reunited with them in 1946 at a displaced persons camp in Germany. Tragically, the day after meeting his wife and children, he was shot dead by German police in Stuttgart. The incident sparked global outrage, particularly as the policemen were never held accountable. A street in Stuttgart now bears his name: Danziger Platz.
After the war, Morris immigrated with his mother, sister, and grandmother to Palestine in 1947, just before Israel's independence. Four years later, the family moved to Calgary, Canada, to start anew. He later earned a pharmacy degree with distinction from the University of Alberta and built a life with his wife Ann, also a Holocaust survivor.
Friends and community leaders remember Dancyger for his wit, kindness, and love for the arts. Carol Ryder, co-chair of Contemporary Calgary and a longtime friend, said, 'He had strength and resiliency. He never believed people should give him a handout. He believed in hard work and giving back to the community. He was a very proud Canadian.'
Mayor Jeromy Farkas recalled Dancyger's encouragement during his 2017 campaign for Ward 11 councillor, noting, 'At a time when I was still earning trust and finding my footing in public life, his encouragement meant a great deal.'
Dancyger is survived by his wife Ann, son Howard, daughter Lisa Itzcovitch, grandchildren Ashley and Bradley Itzcovitch, and great-grandchildren Mila and Payton Libin. His legacy of resilience and generosity will continue to inspire.
