The ROM community is deeply saddened by the death of Joseph Tanenbaum, our dear friend, one of Canada’s leading and most civic-minded philanthropists. Joey served ROM with inspiring commitment and passion over three decades, as an engaged volunteer and superb donor supporting the growth and development of the Museum.
Joey and his beloved wife Toby led by example, and transformed ROM through generous donations to campaigns, to collections and to programs. They are celebrated as the Museum’s leading donors based on cumulative giving across all program areas and gifts of art – as well as the named galleries to showcase the superb collections of Byzantine and Chinese art and culture they so magnanimously contributed. The Tanenbaums were also committed to improving the Museum experience for all visitors, and established an accessibility fund in their name which helped make it easier for the public to navigate ROM.
One of Canada’s most consistently big-hearted benefactors, Joey’s contributions to society, through extraordinary gifts of financial support and art, to museums, galleries, hospitals and other worthwhile causes, have made a profound impact on Canada and inspired millions of dollars in charitable donations from others.
The Tanenbaums’ gifts have been extraordinary in their financial generosity, inspiring in their depth, and heart-warming in their desire to improve and enhance the lives of others. His friendship and support will be deeply missed by all of us at the Museum, many of whom had the pleasure of seeing countless quiet acts of selfless charity for which the Tanenbaums sought no recognition.
It is said that those who live in the hearts and minds of those they leave behind never die. Joey Tanenbaum’s extraordinary legacy will live on forever at the Royal Ontario Museum he loved so deeply.
ROM salutes and mourns our remarkable friend and champion, Joey Tanenbaum.