Remembering Bernie Ghert

Bernard Ghert or “Bernie” as he preferred to be called was deeply involved with Mount Sinai Hospital and Sinai Health for over five decades. He had been a volunteer leader since 1974 and held various governance roles, including Chairing both the Hospital and the Foundation. He continued to be on the Sinai Health Board of Directors and made invaluable contributions.

As a leader who valued ingenuity and innovation, he provided strategic direction during pivotal periods of growth and helped to shape the Sinai Health we know today.

Bernie also chaired the Foundation for more than a decade and helped to build a vibrant donor community, many who are still with us today. One of the first campaigns established under his leadership was the Friends for Life campaign which was quickly followed by The Best Medicine campaign.

He was also a cherished donor, with his giving nearing $5 million. Through both his volunteer leadership and philanthropy, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Sinai Health—reflecting his belief that great fortune carries great responsibility.

As a person, Bernie’s name was always spoken with admiration and deep respect. His love for his family and friends and the time and wisdom he gave to all he mentored was greatly appreciated. He also loved the outdoors and cycling, hiking and fishing brought him great joy throughout his life.

He leaves an incredible legacy and one that we will continue to celebrate. In this tribute, we share reflections from just a few of the many individuals who were fortunate to know him—and who were inspired by his visionary leadership.

“Bernie had unwavering support of Mount Sinai Hospital and Sinai Health for over five decades. He was a long-standing volunteer leader and served as Chair of both the Hospital Board and the Foundation Board. He had an enduring belief in our mission and helped to shape the Sinai Health we know today. Beyond Sinai, Bernie was a highly respected business leader and brought commitment, ingenuity, and exceptional leadership to both governance and philanthropy. He was also a genuinely kind person and will be greatly missed.” – Andrew Hoffman – Chair, Sinai Health Board of Directors

“Bernie was a visionary leader. His belief and dedication to Sinai was truly inspiring and the impact he has had will be felt for generations to come. As a volunteer, Bernie was simply the best. His long-standing commitment has helped to secure a bright future for Sinai Health. He was generous with his time and wisdom and treated everyone with kindness and respect. He will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.” – Peter Cohen – Immediate Past Chair, Sinai Health Board of Directors

“Bernie Ghert was a dynamic and trusted leader that had an unbelievable mind for finance and business. Sinai Health benefitted from his leadership for many decades, and he was instrumental in building the world-class academic health sciences centre we are today. His generous spirit and compassion were a gift to so many, and his legacy will live on through the impact he has had and the lives he has touched.” – Brent Belzberg – Past Chair, Sinai Health Board of Directors

“Bernie was a generous soul who inspired his family, friends, and all those he mentored. A distinguished business leader and committed philanthropist, his leadership as Chair of both Mount Sinai Hospital and the Foundation helped build for the future while honouring Sinai’s deep roots. His dedication knew no bounds, and I—along with so many others—am profoundly grateful for the wisdom and friendship he so generously shared.” – Jay Hennick – Past Chair, Sinai Health Board of Directors