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October 9, 2026
# OCAD U community deeply saddened by passing of Dr. Salah Bachir
Dr. Salah Bachir, C.M., O.ONT., presided over Convocation ceremonies while chancellor at OCAD U.
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OCAD University is mourning the passing of former chancellor Dr. Salah Bachir, C.M., O.Ont., a prominent Canadian philanthropist, entrepreneur, social justice advocate and champion of the arts, who passed away October 8, 2026, at the age of 71, following a prolonged illness.
“As chancellor of OCAD U, Dr. Salah Bachir was a passionate advocate for our students and graduates, celebrating their talent and the vital role that artists and designers play in shaping our world,” said OCAD U President and Vice-Chancellor Ana Serrano. “His legacy will live on in the artists he supported and the many lives he enriched through his generosity. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his partner Jacob Yerex, his daughter, family, friends, and all of those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed.”
Born in Lebanon in 1955, Dr. Bachir immigrated to Canada in 1965, settling in Toronto. His entrepreneurial spirit and passion for storytelling led him into publishing and the entertainment industry, where he built a distinguished career.
He began his publishing career in 1980 with the first consumer video magazine in Canada, *Videomania*, and in 1984, started the publication, *Premiere*. He also co-produced the annual trade show, Focus on Video, celebrating the Canadian film industry and helped launch several home video labels, including Disney and Universal.
In 1999, he became the founding president and chair of Famous Players Media, a new in-cinema advertising and marketing partnership with Famous Players and Viacom. He launched the in-house magazines, *Famous,* *Famous Quebec*, and *Famous Kids*, which became some of Canada’s successful magazines in terms of readership.
In 2005, Cineplex acquired Famous Players, and Dr. Bachir became president of the Cineplex Media. In this role, until 2021, he oversaw Cineplex’s publishing (Cineplex magazine) and expanded the business, making it Canada’s largest cinema and digital place-based media network. His accomplishments included helping negotiate a landmark partnership between Cineplex and Scotiabank that led to the creation of the Scene loyalty card program.
Alongside his business success, Dr. Bachir became one of Canada's most prominent patrons of the arts. An avid collector of contemporary art, he assembled a significant collection of works by Canadian and international artists, sharing pieces with galleries and museums and supporting the development and visibility of Canadian artists. His collection included works by Betty Goodwin, Stephen Andrews, Attila Richard Lukacs, Herb Ritts and Andy Warhol. His philanthropy extended to the Art Gallery of Ontario, Oakville Galleries, OCAD University and other cultural organizations.
Dr. Bachir served as chancellor of OCAD University from 2017 to 2021 and was a passionate ambassador for the University, which is now celebrating its 150th anniversary. During his four-year term, he presided over Convocation ceremonies celebrating more than 4,000 graduates, championing the next generation of artists and designers as they embarked on their careers. He was also a generous donor to OCAD U over his lifetime, which included a gift to create the endowed bursary, The Dori Tunstall Racial Equity Bursary to support Black and Indigenous students across the University demonstrating financial need.
In 2017, he received an honorary doctorate from OCAD U in recognition of his contributions to business, philanthropy and the arts. He also received honorary doctorates from the University of Alberta, Toronto Metropolitan University, York University and Wilfrid Laurier University.
His commitment to social justice was equally defining. A longstanding advocate for 2SLGBTQ+ communities, Dr. Bachir supported organizations and initiatives advancing equity, inclusion and human rights.
He played a pivotal role in fundraising for Toronto's The 519 Community Centre, helping lead a major capital campaign to expand and renovate its facilities. A dedicated wing now bears his name, a testament to his strong belief in inclusion, dignity and the importance of community care. He also hosted The 519 Annual Gala for over 15 years, raising funds for the centre’s programs and services.
Dr. Bachir also helped lead major fundraising campaigns for hospitals in Toronto, donating $2 million to build a new dialysis centre at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto. The Bachir Yerex Family Dialysis Centre opened in 2019. Funds also supported the Bachir Yerex Community Renal Centre. Dr. Bachir had been a kidney dialysis patient for several years. He was also founding member of the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research and served on its board for over 25 years.
Dr. Bachir brought together people from the worlds of business, entertainment, art and philanthropy in support of causes he believed in. His contributions earned wide recognition, including appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario.
In 2023, Dr. Bachir published his memoir, *First to Leave the Party: My Life with Ordinary People … Who Happen to Be Famous*, reflecting his distinctive blend of humour, candour and connection to people from all walks of life.
Visitation will take place on October 14, from 7 to 9 p.m., at Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto. The funeral ceremony will follow at the same location on October 15 at 11 a.m.
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