William Novick Obituary, Death – Dr. William (Bill) Novick, who was in his one hundredth year at the time of his death, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2023, following a brief bout with illness. Bill was born in Montreal in 1923, and he went on to become a war hero as a pilot, a respected ENT doctor and surgeon, a brilliant athlete, and a devoted family man.
He was an active member of the tight-knit Jewish community throughout his time at Baron Byng High School, which he attended. At the age of thirteen, he became a member of the YMHA and took part in the various athletic and community activities offered there.

He often remarked that connection moulded his early years as well as his adult life, and that it was crucial in helping him establish a strong sense of discipline. After completing his training to become a pilot with the RCAF at the age of eighteen, he flew to England as a member of squadron 433 and went on to fly thirty-five night bombing missions against the Nazis. One of these missions took place during the early morning hours of D-Day. Because of his bravery and outstanding achievements, he was presented with the Distinguished Flying Cross medal as a token of appreciation.

After some time had passed, Bill was asked whether he would be interested in joining a covert group of former military personnel who were amassing and transferring weapons and aircraft components to the Middle East. In 1948, he decided to take a break from his studies and join the “Machal” organisation of international volunteers. There, he was responsible for transporting supplies to and through a number of nations on the way to what would eventually become the state of Israel. Bill stated that they were there for Israel when they required their assistance the most.

After returning to Canada, Bill finished his medical education at Queen’s University in Kingston, which is located in the province of Ontario. After receiving his degree in 1954, he worked as an otolaryngologist (ENT) at the Royal Victoria Hospital/McGill University Health Centre for the next sixty years. During that time, he cared for tens of thousands of patients and instructed many generations of students and residents.