Sam Ganz 1928 – 2014
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Sam Ganz, co-founder and Chairman of Ganz, and past president of the Canadian Toy Association, on June 21, 2014.
Born in 1928 in Berbesti, Romania, Sam Ganz and brother Jack arrived in Canada in June 1948, survivors of the Holocaust that claimed many of their family. In 1950, they registered Ganz Bros. Toys, Ltd., and a proud family business was founded. Starting with one doll, the small company expanded to become a flourishing international business. In 1968, Sam was chosen president of the Canadian Toy Association. The company expanded its vision to include the larger giftware industry, opening offices in Atlanta, Los Angeles and Hong Kong. In 1990, the company name became simply GANZ. Sam and son Howard continued to grow the company, and in 2005 created and introduced Webkinz™, a line of web-enabled plush toys that allow the virtual pets to ‘come to life’ in a safe play environment. This concept linked the company’s heritage of quality plush with its vision for the future. Webkinz created a new category of toy, a worldwide phenomenon, and changed how kids play online.
With Sam’s support the Webkinz Foundation has donated generously to many causes worldwide, mainly focused on aiding women and children. In addition, with Gitta, his beloved wife of 63 years, Sam supported a multitude of local and international aid organizations through the Ganz Family Foundation.
Sam stayed active in the business, working every day until his last illness. He cared about his employees’ lives, and it is a testament to him that so many Ganz employees have been with the company for decades.
Sam is survived by his loving wife Gitta, son Howard and wife Fay, daughter Mindy and husband Jerry Schulman and grandchildren Sonny Ganz, Emma Hacohen Shahar, Jesse Ganz, Rachel Ganz and Robin Schulman, as well as sister Miriam Wise and family. He was able to see granddaughter Emma be married in the family home in the days before his death. We all share in the loss of this great, caring man.
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